Saturday, June 18, 2016

South Africa: Eleven-year-old boy mauled by Pit Bull, whose owner blames him for the attack

SOUTH AFRICA -- When Katlego Mokoena saw a pit bull jumping over a security wall and rushing towards him on Friday, he knew his life was in danger.

The 11-year-old from Lotus Gardens in Tshwane ran as fast as he could but the dog was too fast for him.

However, passing motorist Charles Makhopa (22) saw what was happening and helped the boy, who was being torn to pieces by the vicious dog.

“I was in the car when I heard the boy screaming. The dog was savagely biting him. I was also scared of the dog but I decided to throw bricks at it to make it stop biting the boy.

“Other residents joined me and the dog ran home,” said Charles.

Katlego was rushed to Kalafong Hospital in Atteridgeville.


OWNER OF THE DOG SWEARS IT'S NEVER BEEN VICIOUS BEFORE -- AND BLAMES THE VICTIM

The owner of the dog, who refused to give her name, said she didn’t know how it managed to get off its leash.

“My dog has never shown signs of violence before. It has never escaped in the past. It might have been provoked by the boys.”

Katlego’s angry dad Patrick (47), said the dog owner must pay the boy’s medical bills.

“We are always scared when we walk the streets. The dog owners don’t lock their pets away or have proper security to stop them from escaping.

“Their wall isn’t high enough either.

“My son was almost killed. The dog damaged his left eye and he might lose sight in it,” he said.

CPF chairman Vasi Naidu said they were doing everything in their power to get justice for Katlego.

(Daily Sun - June 17, 2016)