A 24-year-old father from Tamboville is still coming to terms with the death of his five-year-old child, Njabula Buda, who died after six dogs mauled him to death on April 10.
An inquest docket has been opened at the Actonville Police Station and investigations are ongoing.
Actonville SAPS spokesperson Sgt Godin Nyathi said the child, who was in the care of a nanny and other children, requested to go to the bathroom.
“The nanny said she heard a noise outside and when she went to check she found a neighbour chasing the dogs that had attacked the boy.
“The body of the five-year-old was found lifeless, with multiple injuries to the head and body,” said Nyathi.
Njabulo’s father, Vusi Mkasi, said he still can’t believe his child is dead.
“When I was called to the scene, I couldn’t believe my eyes. Seeing my child in that state broke my heart because he had multiple bruises on his body, especially his neck,” said Mkasi.
The 24-year-old father said his relationship with his child was strong because a few days before the incident, his mother, who lives in Holomisa, came to fetch him but he refused to go with her.
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“I miss him dearly. He wasn’t a naughty child. He was loved by everyone he met. He was just a happy child,” said the distraught father.
The five-year-old has since been buried.
Meanwhile, SPCA manager Bronwyn Kleynhans said three of the dogs were surrendered to the SPCA by the owner after the incident.
“The three other dogs were strays and no one came to claim them. All six dogs, which were mixed breeds, were humanely euthanised,” said Kleynhans.
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