A tragic incident in the Marathon informal settlement, Ekurhuleni, has left a community in mourning and in outrage after a three-year-old girl was fatally attacked by a group of aggressive dogs.
The child, who was walking alone through a narrow path while visiting her grandfather, was suddenly mauled by approximately five dogs. Despite efforts to save her, she passed away later that same day.
According to a local ward councillor, this wasn’t the first time the same group of dogs had attacked residents. Two previous incidents involving other children had already been reported, though those children survived the attacks.
The toddler’s death has deeply affected her family, especially as her mother is currently battling stage four cancer. The emotional weight of both the illness and the violent loss of the child has left the family shattered.
In the wake of the tragedy, enraged community members allegedly demolished the shacks believed to belong to the dogs’ owners. During this retaliation, seven puppies were killed.
While community anger is understandable, the councillor urged residents to allow proper authorities to handle the matter, warning against acts of vigilante justice.
This heartbreaking event has reignited calls for stronger animal control measures and quicker municipal action to prevent further loss of life. The councillor has appealed to relevant city departments to step in and work closely with residents to address the growing safety concerns in the area.
The incident underscores the urgent need for responsible pet ownership, better enforcement of animal control laws, and support systems for communities living under difficult conditions.