A three-year-old girl was mauled to death by a pack of five dogs in the Marathon Informal Settlement on Friday evening, sparking outrage and fear among residents.
According to local Ward Councillor Geoffrey Mthembu, the toddler was walking alone through the settlement to visit a family friend when she was attacked. The dogs reportedly dragged her behind a shack near an illegal dumping site.
Dogs Still Roaming, Owner Flees
Mthembu confirmed that the dogs remain at large, roaming the area at night while avoiding daytime confrontations with angry residents. The owner of the dogs allegedly fled after the attack, and community members dismantled the owner’s shack in retaliation.
Shockingly, this was not the first incident involving the same dogs. Mthembu revealed that the pack had previously attacked other children, though no formal complaints were lodged with authorities.
Mother Battling Stage 4 Cancer
The victim’s mother, who is battling stage 4 cancer, is now left grieving her daughter while caring for her surviving son. Social workers are reportedly assisting the family, but Mthembu expressed concern over their living conditions and the need for further intervention.
Calls for Action
Mthembu plans to engage the SPCA to address the growing issue of unregulated dogs in the area. He also urged residents to report dangerous animals to prevent future tragedies.
No case has yet been opened against the dogs’ owner, but authorities are expected to investigate further.
The community remains on edge as the dangerous dogs continue to roam, leaving residents demanding justice and safer living conditions.