A neighbour’s pitbull has attacked and killed a three-year-old boy in the latest fatal dog attack to rock the Free State.
The incident, which happened in Hennenman on Sunday morning, sparked a protest by the local community.
Members of the public order policing unit have been deployed to the area where, according to police spokesperson Captain Stephen Thakeng, the “situation is tense but under control”.
The victim was declared dead on the scene of the attack.
The dog was burnt to death by the angry mob, while its owner was taken away by the police for his own safety.
“On Sunday, 20 November 2022, at about 9:30, Hennenman police were called to Sekoti-Mpate with reports that a child had been mauled by a dog,” Thakeng said in a statement.
“On arrival at the scene, members found a large group of community members already outside the yard.
“The three-year-old toddler was certified dead at the scene with severe injuries to the head.
“The dog was removed by its owner from the scene where the incident took place, but eventually was burned to death by angry community.
“Public Order Policing unit members are deployed to the area as the situation is tense but under control . . .”
Hennenman police have opened an inquest for further investigation.
This is the second fatal dog attack to happen in the Free State within days after an eight-year-old boy was attacked and killed by a neighbour’s pitbull while playing in his family yard in Bloemfontein last Saturday. – Staff Reporter