Anger and fear as dogs are poisoned at Mafukani

Sixteen dogs died in Mafukani village near Matavhela this past weekend, apparently from poisoning.

Mr Thathani Tapela, one of the residents who found his dog dead, expressed his concerns about the ongoing issue of animal poisoning in the village. Tapela mentioned that animals such as cattle and dogs had been poisoned, and he feared for his own safety, hoping not to suffer the same fate as his pets and livestock.

After investigating his dog's death, Tapela learned that three unknown dogs had attacked a goat belonging to another resident about two weeks ago. The goat's owner, enraged by the incident, took his dead goat home and threatened consequences if the dog owners did not come forward to apologise.

However, Mr Ndavha Rakhadani, the resident possibly implicated, denied responsibility for the poisonings. He mentioned that since January, he had lost six goats to dog attacks, with no one stepping forward to take responsibility.

Vhamusanda Vho Nndileni Nemafukani, the traditional leader of Mafukani village, confirmed that 16 dogs had been reported dead over the past few days, which was a serious concern. He stated that they were still investigating the matter. His frustration grew as recently, five cattle were found dead, suspected to have been poisoned, and now 16 dogs have also died.

A month ago, an unemployed small-scale farmer from Mafukani, Mr Nkhetheni Rakhadani, made the news when some of his cattle were found dead.

Date:14 June 2024

By: Silas Nduvheni

Read: 1349