A 17-year-old boy from Kenilworth in Lukona village, located between Nkayi and Nyathi in Matabeleland North, was attacked and seriously injured by police dogs last week on Wednesday.
The boy, Sabelo Dube, had been sent to the shops in Lukona when he was caught in a crossfire as police released dogs to disperse a crowd gathered at the shops.
Sabelo’s uncle, Collen Mpofu, told <a href="https://cite.org.zw/police-dogs-maul-teen-in-gold-dispute-incident/">CITE</a> that the police, accompanied by their dogs, were deployed to the area following news of a gold discovery at a nearby claim in Kenilworth. Said Mpofu:
<blockquote>
There is gold that was discovered in Kenilworth, and it seems the police, under the instruction of one Dumisani who oversees the mine left to him by his father, were directed to go to that place.
The police arrived at Lukona shops with dogs, and people who were seated there started running away. Sabelo, who had been sent to the shops, was caught in that chaos and was severely bitten by the dogs.
</blockquote>
Mpofu said after the attack, the police were seen searching for Sabelo, possibly to assist him. He said:
<blockquote>
It seems he wasn’t the only one who was bitten; other elderly people were attacked as well.
</blockquote>
The uncle said Sabelo was taken to Lukona Clinic, where staff determined that his wounds were too severe and transferred him to Nyathi Hospital. He said:
<blockquote>
When the family stopped by the police station in Nyathi for a police report of the incident, the police recorded that the boy was bitten by the dogs at the mine instead of at the shops. The mine is 2km from the shops, and to access the mine, you have to pass by the shop.
The police hadn’t even reached the mine at the time of the incident. Sabelo’s mother only realised later while at the hospital that the police had misreported the location of the incident.
</blockquote>
Mpofu said Nyathi Hospital had intended to admit Sabelo, but due to the high transport costs and the distance from home, the family opted to have his dressings done at Lukona Clinic. He said:
<blockquote>
One injection costs US$20, so he is being treated at home.
</blockquote>
He said other people who were bitten by the police dogs, included another relative of theirs, Kholwani Khabo, who sustained worse injuries than Sabelo. Said Mpofu:
<blockquote>
We have another relative, Kholwani Khabo who has worse wounds but he has now been arrested. After he was bitten by the dogs and when police went to him, they searched and found imbanje (marijuana) in his pocket, so they are now focusing on that charge. He appeared in court today.
</blockquote>
Sabelo’s mother, Priscila Nkomazana, accused the police of misreporting the circumstances. She said:
<blockquote>
I had sent my son to the shops. What’s not true about the police report is that they claimed my child was at the mine. Other villagers even testified that he was at the shops. This does not sit well with me.
I only noticed while waiting for a doctor that the police had recorded wrong information, saying Sabelo was found at the mine. Other villagers saw him as well and were testifying that he was at the shops.
</blockquote>
She also said Sabelo was given four injections against rabies and will receive additional ones after seven days.
Nkomazana claimed that the police had requested her personal details but had not contacted her since.
Both Matabeleland North Provincial Police Spokesperson Inspector Glory Banda and the acting police spokesperson Sergeant Namatirai Mashona could not comment on the case.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

A 17-year-old boy named Sabelo was caught in a fight between police and a crowd at the shops in Lukona. Police dogs attacked him and seriously hurt him. The police were looking for gold in the area, but the incident happened at the shops, not at the mine. Sabelo's uncle said other people were bitten too. Sabelo's mother said the police report was wrong. Sabelo is receiving treatment at home and was vaccinated against rabies. Another person bitten by the dogs was arrested for having marijuana. The police did not comment on the case.

17-year-old Boy Caught In Crossfire, Mauled By Police Dogs

A nine-year-old was attacked by a pit-bull dog on Saturday last week in Whitecliffe, Harare and later succumbed to her injuries.
Police said the girl, who was attacked by the dog at a house, died on admission at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals. Police said:
<blockquote>
The ZRP is investigating a sad incident where a 9-year-old female juvenile died on admission at Parirenyatwa Hospital after being attacked by a pit-bull dog at a house in Whitecliffe, Harare, on 25/03/23.
</blockquote>
In February this year, Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi told <a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/murder-charges-for-killer-dog-owners">The Sunday Mail</a> that dog attacks have become a “serious matter”, with some owners of killer dogs having been charged with culpable homicide.
He said that residents are now breeding dangerous dogs, and in some cases, the pets are left unattended.
According to <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/new-updates/things-to-know-about-pit-bulls-as-third-attack-leaves-woman-fighting-for-her-life/articleshow/93539412.cms?from=mdr">the Economist Times</a>, most pit bulls are considered too ferocious and dangerous to be kept as house pets, especially by untrained people.
Pit bulls are well known for their killing instinct and its equally if not more dangerous bite force.
Pit bulls are famously one of the most dangerous dog breeds, which have been banned in 30 countries, including the UK, France, Australia, and New Zealand.
More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200009522/ed-demands-re-run-in-violence-hotspots">Pindula News</a>

Pitbull Dog Kills Girl (9) In Harare

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has said dog attacks have become a “serious matter”, with some owners of killer dogs having been charged with culpable homicide.
Police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi told <a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/murder-charges-for-killer-dog-owners">The Sunday Mail</a> that some residents are now breeding dangerous dogs, and in some cases, the pets are left unattended. He said:
<blockquote>
Some of the dog owners have been charged with culpable homicide.
This has become a serious matter. People are breeding dangerous dogs and instead of exercising maximum caution, they actually leave these dogs unattended, while others do not have the security needed for one to have dogs on their premises.
</blockquote>
It is now common for households to own breeds such as the pitbull, boerboel, doberman, bullmastiff, rottweiler and German shepherd.
A community in Southview Park, Harare, is now living in fear of vicious dogs belonging to a family that recently moved into the neighbourhood.
One of the residents claimed they now spend most of the day in their houses for fear of the dogs. Said the resident:
<blockquote>
They (the new family) have two big dogs and several puppies, which are making them even more aggressive. The dogs have attacked us on several occasions.
Talking to the owners is not helping, as they have only encouraged us to befriend the dogs to avoid being attacked.
We now spend most of the day in the house, while getting home late at night is now risky.
There is a real possibility of being mauled to death.
</blockquote>
Dr. Regis Murwira, a general practitioner, said that there has been an increase in the number of patients being treated for dog bites. He said:
<blockquote>
In the past, we would attend to an average of two or three cases per month, but in the last half of 2022, cases spiked to at least seven.
To attend to dog attack cases, the patient should have a police report. We administer rabies injections before attending to the wounds.
For a rabies jab, one should part with at least US$25, excluding the consultation fee.
</blockquote>
In 2022, a six-year-old girl was killed by two vicious boerboel dogs while playing in Goromonzi.
Before that, a 70-year-old man died after being severely attacked by stray dogs in Ardbennie, Harare, on his way home.
In 2021, a Grade Five learner died in Chegutu after she was mauled by three dogs on her way to school.

Culpable Homicide Charges For Killer Dog Owners

A Murehwa man died in police custody on Boxing Day following a police dog bite outside a nightclub.
Police have, however, denied claims that that the deceased, 32-year-old Talent Mangirazi, died as a result of the attack.
Several eye-witnesses who spoke to The NewsHawks said that around 11 pm, armed officers with police dogs descended on the packed nightclub.
The police details sprayed teargas and attempted to arrest the revellers on charges of breaching curfew restrictions.
A fracas then ensued when some of the revellers resisted arrest, while others fought back the police.
During the melee, Mangirazi tried to flee but, with dogs in hot pursuit and apparently drunk, he could not last the distance.
National police spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi told The NewsHawks that Mangirazi collided with a stationery haulage truck while attempting to escape. Said Nyathi:
<blockquote>It is premature to allege that this person was killed by a police dog as the Post Mortem is yet to be done.
The body is at Parirenyatwa Hospital Mortuary awaiting examination. Facts on the ground indicate that this person was among over 100 revellers at Sky Blue Night Club and Siyawamyaya Butcher when Police went to disperse this gathering which was clearly contravening the Government’s Covid-19 safety regulations and they met resistance.
The crowd threw stones to Police Officers and damaged a Police Ford Ranger vehicle ZRP 320R’s rear screen.
Police moved in to disperse this unlawful gathering as the victim (Mangirazi) ran way and crashed against a haulage truck trailer which was parked at the shops.
He fell down and sustained injuries. He was then bitten on the thigh by a police dog which was quickly restrained by its handler.
The cause of death can only be ascertained once the Post Mortem results are out.
We urge all concerned parties including the media to be patient until the Post Mortem results are out before rushing into conclusions.</blockquote>
Meanwhile, Talent’s elder brother Luckmore Mangirazi told The NewsHawks that the now deceased’s legs show very deep wounds from dog bites.
He added that Talent also bled profusely from the nose and mouth, and his head is covered in blood and he also has a dark scar on his chest.
Mangirazi, who was single, worked for KW Blasting Zimbabwe at the time of his death and was stationed at a mine in Mapinga on the Harare-Chirundu highway.
<h4>More: <a href="https://thenewshawks.com/man-dies-after-police-attack-on-murewa-nightclub/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The NewsHawks</a></h4>

Man Dies After Police Dog Attack On Boxing Day

A nine-year-old boy was mauled to death by three Boerboel dogs in Kadoma while playing with his friend last week on Thursday.
The boy, Nigel Sabiti of 268, Pixie Combi had been invited to play with his friend, 10-year-old Jayden Ogachukwu Nwaozuzu of 278 within the same neighbourhood.
ZRP Kadoma district spokesperson DCRLO Sgt Crymore Muriro said Jayden was left with the dogs by his father Christopher, a Nigerian national who had instructed him to clean the dog kennels.
While Jayden was cleaning the dog kennels, the vicious security dogs, which had been let loose, spotted Nigel together with his younger brother, Tendai, 5, and another friend Tatenda.
Tendai rushed into a garage while Tatenda also sustained serious injuries on his leg but Nigel was attacked by the dogs when he sought for refugee in an open tuckshop.
Nigel’s brother, Tawanda (17) ran and tried to save the boy from the dogs but it was too late.
Nigel was rushed to Kadoma General Hospital where he died from his wounds.
The now deceased’s father, Matthew said he was shocked when he called by a friend who informed him to be “brave”. He said:
<blockquote>When I was called by Clemence Machawu, I thought it was nothing serious, advising him to take Nigel to hospital for treatment.
When Machawu told me that the matter needed bravado, I was shocked. After seeing blood in the car that came to ferry me to see him in hospital, it got even worse.
I think he died well before he was taken to hospital.
I had two children in the yard. His younger brother Tendai managed to hide in a garage.</blockquote>
Nigel was buried in Bluegrass on Saturday.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.hmetro.co.zw/dogs-maul-boy-death/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">H-Metro</a></h4>

Boy (9) Mauled To Death By Vicious Dogs In Kadoma

Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce Raj Modi is seeking donations to assist a 25 year old woman who was mauled by her landlord’s five vicious dogs in West Somerton suburb.
Speaking on Twitter, Modi who is also Bulawayo South MP (Zanu-PF) appealed for funds saying he has already committed $3000. He said people can send EcoCash contributions to the number 0773960966 or transfer to Muchegwa’s church’s bank account. The bank is Zb, account name Abundant Life Revival Mission 4304413264080, Jason Moyo. Said Modi:
<blockquote>I ask all of you including my friends in the corporate sector to help. I have committed $3000. Give what you can to make her whole again. You can ecocash the number 0773960966 or transfer to her church’s bank account. The bank is Zb, account name Abundant Life Revival Mission 4304413264080, Jason Moyo. Let’s come together and help Cherish Muchengwa to be herself again. What separates us is little, what unites us is bigger. Thank you, ngiyabonga, tatenda <s>#</s>Bulawayo omuhle.</blockquote>
Ms Cherish Muchegwa sustained serious injuries after she was bitten by the dogs resulting in her being hospitalised at Mater Dei Hospital before she was transferred to the United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH) as she could not afford the bills at the private hospital. Her husband Joseph Masaiti told The Chronicle his wife survived the horrific dog attack leaving her with serious injuries on her legs and hands. Masaiti said his wife was attacked by the dogs two weeks ago and is still hospitalised.
The owner of the dogs was identified only as Mrs Mlalazi. Her son Mr Benacious Mlalazi said it was not true that they were not helping the family with medical bills. Mlalazi said the family has been heavily involved in the case from the day of the incident. He said they were also not sure how the dogs attacked Ms Muchegwa as she has lived at the house for nearly two years.

Raj Modi Seeks Donations For Woman Mauled By Landlord’s Vicious Dogs

A Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) official was on Wednesday attacked by dogs at a Chinese-owned warehouse in Southerton during an operation to smoke out smuggling of goods into the country.
According to witnesses, the Zimra officials who were driving in a branded car went and parked at the entrance gate and proceeded to knock. A Chinese lady named Alice Wang reportedly came out and watched as her dogs jumped on the female Zimra official. Zimra spokesperson Francis Chimanda confirmed the incident to NewsDay and said the matter was reported to Southerton Police Station and investigations are in progress.
However Wang denies she set the dogs on the official. She said her dogs attacked the Zimra official because they probably felt jealous when she greeted her.  Wang said the incident was a mistake and was reported to Southerton Police. She said they took the Zimra official to hospital for treatment. Wang said she makes sheets and comforters. Witnesses told NewsDay that they suspected the attack was planned because the business people were probably trying to hide something from Zimra officials.
More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2019/03/zimra-official-mauled-by-dogs-at-chinese-factory/">NewsDay</a>

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