WC family devastated after dog attack claims 4-year-old boy

A community is in mourning following the tragic death of a four-year-old boy, Simikuso ‘Simi’ Ntswayibana, who was fatally injured in a dog attack yesterday.

The incident occurred in the informal settlement of Sedgefield, Knysna, where Simi was playing with friends after attending school at Wielie Walie Creche.

According to Simi’s grandfather and family spokesperson, Johnson Dyan, the children were playing as usual when a pack of dogs in the area began chasing them.

One dog managed to reach Simi and bit him severely, after which he ran into bush near Groenvallei in an attempt to escape.

“We started looking for him immediately. The community and myself searched tirelessly for him, but we couldn’t find him. I contacted the police and the local councillor for assistance, and it was just before 21:00 that we discovered his body,” Dyan says.

Dogs roam freely

Dyan claims the dog that attacked Simi had bitten him a week earlier. He expresses deep frustration that dogs in the area are allowed to roam freely and are not properly controlled, putting children and other residents at risk.

“We have been concerned for a while now about the number of dogs in the area, and this is not the first time one of them has caused harm. The owners don’t take responsibility, and it’s our children who pay the price,” Dyan says.

The dog’s breed is unknown.

‘Everyone loved him’

Simi, described by his grandfather as a lively and beloved child, is sorely missed by family and friends.

“He was full of life, always running around with a smile. Everyone in the community loved him,” Dyan adds.

An enquiry was sent to the police, but no response was received at time of publishing.