Pack of dogs attack toddler

The Khosa family from Waterval is still reeling with shock after their two-year-old toddler was mauled by dogs.

According to family spokesperson Mr Thomas Khosa, young Palesa Vutlhari Gabriela Khosa was attacked by five dogs on Saturday afternoon while she was playing with her seven-year-old neighbour. The incident happened at the Waterval residential area in Elim.

"The child's nanny told me that my granddaughter was playing with a friend in the street when five dogs came towards them at around 17:00. As soon as the children saw the dogs, the elder girl started running away, leaving behind my granddaughter behind.”

He said that the dogs attacked Gabriela while she was lying down helplessly. The young girl was ultimately saved by the nanny, “who bravely rescued Gabriela from the vicious dogs. Fortunately, the dogs did not attack the nanny and she managed to save the child," said Khosa.

Gabriela, who sustained serious wounds to the left thigh, was rushed to the Waterval Clinic, who transferred her to Elim Hospital for further treatment. According to her family, she was given antibiotics and other related treatment to prevent rabies. She was discharged on Monday afternoon.

Although Gabriela is in a stable condition, Khosa said that he hoped that his granddaughter would be safe from rabies after the treatment. He added that many people, including children, had become victims of the same stray dogs.  "I expect the owner to lock up his dogs. Otherwise an animal inspector must come and put them down as they are posing a serious threat to the community," said Khosa.

In a telephonic interview with the owner of the dogs, the man confirmed the incident but said that he was in Gauteng for other commitments. He told Limpopo Mirror that he was aware of past incidents and that he was "feeling very sorry about the whole incident. I don't know exactly what happened. I was not there. What I know is that many kids incite these dogs." 

He added that he was not condoning what his dogs had allegedly done. “I have already apologized to the family,” he said. He also added that only two of the dogs belonged to him. "The other just come to my yard. I think they are attracted by the food that I buy for my dogs. Unfortunately, I can't chase them away as I love dogs."

He added that he had obtained the dogs after his car was stolen from the yard. “Sometimes, you live peacefully with people, but something can happen that is beyond your control," the man added.

Date:20 August 2017

By: Ndivhuwo Musetha

Read: 1230