The South African Police Service (SAPS) is investigating a case of negligence following a brutal attack on a 10-year-old girl by a pit bull in the Northern Cape.
According to the SABC the young girl, Reatlegile Pitsoemang, lost an eye and sustained a skull fracture during the attack.
The police have also urged the public to refrain from circulating graphic images of the victim on social media.
“The Galeshewe SAPS is investigating a case of negligence or failure to prevent an animal to cause injury to another person against the owner of the dog,” the police said in a statement on Friday, April 4, 2025.
The police also highlighted that Section 1(1) of the Animal Matters Amendment Act 42 of 1993 “provides that any person as a result of whose negligence an animal causes injury to another person, shall be guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to a fine or imprisonment for a period not exceeding two years,”
“It is alleged that on Tuesday, April 2, 2025, at approximately 6pm the children were playing in Phutane Street, Galeshewe when the 10-year-old female victim was allegedly attacked by the pit bull,”
“The victim suffered severe injuries to her head and face and was admitted to a local hospital for medical treatment.”
Following the attack, the dog was removed from the property of the owner by the SPCA the following day
“The victim and or his/her parents or guardian may also approach the civil court for a claim of civil damages as a result of the injury, trauma, medical costs suffered, as well as future medical costs.”
The police urged anyone with information to contact Galeshewe Detectives or call SAPS Crime Stop number.
