Hero dog dies defending 84-year old Vryheid woman

A PET Rottweiler died heroically while trying to protect his owner, an 84-year old woman, on her Hlobane farm.
Armed robbers fired a single shot at the dog’s head, killing it instantly, before they fled with the woman’s belongings.

The woman, whose identity is known to the Vryheid Herald, was cooking guava jam at the fireplace outside her kitchen on the morning of September 18 when she heard her dogs’ distressed barking.

Captain Nkosie Gwala, the communications officer for the Zululand Cluster, said the woman was confronted at gunpoint by three teenage boys, who demanded cash as well as her cellphone.

ALSO READ: BREAKING: 10-year old Mondlo boy alleged rape victim

“She told the robbers that she didn’t have any cash or a cellphone. One of the men shot the dog dead with a revolver and then all three of them fled. The woman was not harmed in the attack, but was shocked and traumatised by the killing of her dog,” said Captain Gwala.

An officer from Vryheid SAPS, who attended the scene, said the robbers had taken a basket of laundry and some tools.

ALSO READ: Nongoma prisoner makes daring escape

“They had already gone through the victim’s bedroom searching for cash, before she became aware of their presence. When she saw the men, she shouted and asked them what they wanted on her farm. I believe that the dog started growling, but I am not sure if it tried to bite one of the attackers before it was shot,” he said.

The Rottweiler was taken to the state vet in order to recover the bullet for ballistics testing. Investigations are ongoing.

The Vryheid Herald extends its condolences to the woman who lost her beloved pet. We urge our fellow pet owners to take a moment to appreciate the love and loyalty afforded to us by our fur friends.

Do you have an interesting story to share with us about your pet? Contact Estella Naicker on 079 256 7570 or email estella@caxton.co.za