A father (24) from Tamboville near Benoni 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 Sargeant Godin Nyathi, says 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 his head and body,” says Nyathi.

Njabulo’s father, Vusi Mkasi, says 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,” says Mkasi.

The father says he had a very strong bond with his son. A couple of days before his death, his mother who lives elsewhere, came to fetch him but the boy refused to go with her.

“I miss him dearly. He wasn’t a naughty child. He was loved by everyone he met. He was just a happy child,” says the distraught father.

The five-year-old has since been buried.

Meanwhile, SPCA manager Bronwyn Kleynhans says 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,” says Kleynhans.