Family of 8-Year-Old Mauled to Death by Pit Bull Calls for End to Misinformation, Says They Were “Terrorised”

• The family of the eight-year-old boy mauled to death by a pit bull called for citizens to stop spreading false information
• Olebogeng Mosime’s grandmother Siphiwe Litabe said it was not the first time that the dog had “terrorised” the family
• Meanwhile, a three-year-old was killed by two pit bulls in the Free State and the dogs and owner were removed by the police

BLOEMFONTEIN - The family of the eight-year-old boy mauled to death by a pit bull in Bloemfontein has called for citizens to stop spreading false information. Olebogeng Mosime was laid to rest on Friday, 18 November.

The child’s death has sparked “ban the breed” debates on social media, leaving many divided. However, Olebogeng’s grandmother Siphiwe Litabe said people who were not present when the tragedy occurred should stop spreading misinformation.

Read also

Eastern Cape woman dies while in police custody for allegedly killing 4 children, SA wants answers

During an interview with TimesLIVE, Litabe described her grandson as a loving boy who would be sorely missed. At the time of his death, the neighbour’s pit bull had escaped from its enclosure before entering Litabe’s yard.

The neighbours called for the family to give them their gate keys to collect their dogs, and Olebogeng was doing so when he was attacked. It was not the first time that the dogs had “terrorised” the family.

Meanwhile, a three-year-old was killed by two pit bulls in the Free State. The incident happened in the neighbour’s yard.

The neighbour had to be removed for his safety as angry community members demanded answers. SABC News reported that the dogs were taken away by the police.

Social media users react to pit bulls:

@Kenyon_Landers said:

Read also

Police take pit bull owner to safety as angry mob gathered at his house after dog mauled 3-year-old to death

“Is there conclusive evidence that all pit bulls are bad? What behavioural case studies are there in different environments and circumstances? What current rights do pit bulls have to defend them from death? All dog breeds can harm humans and that is conclusive.”

@CliffordeneN posted:

“This seems to blame the dog, not the horrible human beings. People treat pit bulls like symbols. Dogs are intuitive. My dog is the most friendliest dog, so when she acts aggressive I take note. Her instincts haven’t let me down yet, and neither has my brother’s pit bull.”

Legal expert says dog attack victims can sue owners and Mzansi welcomes announcement

Briefly News also reported that a legal expert has warned that dog attack victims can sue the pet owners. South Africans have welcomed the announcement and believe owners should face serious legal ramifications.

This comes after the death of an eight-year-old who was mauled to death by a pit bull that escape its enclosure.

Read also

Pit bull Federation praises breed owners for handing over vicious dogs to SPCA, SA applauds

The child was declared dead at the scene after sustaining bites on the neck and chest. However, while the child’s parents can sue the owners, the legal battle ahead is long.

Source: Briefly News