BULAWAYO – A two-year-old girl has died after she was mauled by four dogs which allegedly jumped over a fence and attacked her in Bulawayo’s Douglasdale suburb, police said.
The incident happened on February 28 at around 10AM.
The toddler, identified as Tanaka Dube, was walking with her 31-year-old mother while her 44-year-old stepfather was inside the yard feeding four dogs.
Police said the dogs suddenly jumped over the fence, ran towards the child and attacked her.
“She sustained injuries on the scalp, lacerations behind the ears, armpits and on both legs,” Bulawayo provincial police spokesperson Inspector Nomalanga Msebele said.
The child was rushed to Mpilo Hospital where she was admitted and treated, but later succumbed to the injuries.
The ZRP expressed condolences to the family and urged dog owners, particularly those keeping large or aggressive breeds, to ensure their properties are properly secured to prevent animals from escaping.
Zimbabwe records thousands of dog bite cases every year, with children among the most vulnerable victims. According to health authorities, more than 20,000 dog bite cases were recorded nationwide in 2023.
Bulawayo has previously recorded serious dog attacks, prompting calls for stricter enforcement of municipal by-laws requiring secure fencing and proper control of dogs.
Police said investigations into the latest incident are continuing with charges likely against the dog owner.
