Cape Town – Police in Free State have opened an inquest for further investigation into the owner of two pit bulls after his dogs attacked and killed a 3-year-old boy – an incident that enraged members of the community.
According to a statement by police spokesperson, Captain Stephen Thakeng, “the situation is tense but under control”.
On Sunday morning, November 20, Hennenman police were called to Sekoti-mpate and received reports that a child had been mauled by dogs.
“On arrival at the scene, members found a large group of community members already outside the yard. The three-year-old toddler was certified dead at the scene with severe injuries to the head. The dog was removed by its owner from the scene where the incident took place, but eventually was burned to death by [the] angry community,” Thakeng said.
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The video of the incident has been widespread on social media, showing the brutal attack by the two pit bulls on the 3-year-old. Thakeng called on social media users to not spread the graphic video.
According to reports, the owner of the pit bulls had to be reduced from angry community members who wanted to attack him. The enraged members beat one of the dogs before setting it alight. The other dog was taken away by the SPCA.
The Pit Bull Federation of South Africa – an organisation dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the American Pit Bull Terrier in South Africa – sent their condolences to the child’s family and labelled the owner as “negligent”.
“Our deepest condolences to this child’s family. This little one was the victim of a negligent owner’s mistakes,” the organisation said in a post.
“This coming week, when you want to insult professionals and fight us on our stance remember this video.
“This week when you would rather call your favourite rescuers who feed you soothing lies heroes, remember this video.
“This week when you want to feel attacked because society does not care about your dog, remember this video.”
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Compiled by Junaid Benjamin
