WARNING: This article contains graphic details that might offend sensitive readers.

A 60-year-old domestic worker was so badly attacked by a pack of Belgian Malinois at her employer’s house that police initially thought she was stabbed to death. It was only after they viewed CCTV footage that the cause of her death was revealed.

The incident happened in Steelpoort Street, Secunda on March 2.

According to Constable Busi Mthethwa, the police spokesperson, the family’s 10-year-old daughter saw the woman lying on the ground naked at about 16:30 and called for help.

When the police and other emergency services arrived at the scene, they initially thought the woman had been stabbed to death because her clothes were torn off and she had multiple wounds.

Only after the police viewed video footage did they realise that the six Belgian Malinois in the yard had attacked her.

Mthethwa said CCTV footage showed the woman hitting the dogs with a green garden hose before the attack.

“They then began attacking her and continued to bite her when she fell to the ground.”

Mthethwa said the domestic worker bled to death because of the injuries to her neck.

Her left upper arm was also ripped apart and even the braids in her hair were ripped from her scalp.

The woman was declared dead on the scene.

• Update: The woman has been identified as Tryphinah Elizabeth Mgomezulu (65).