What began as a quiet walk in an open field opposite his home turned into a nightmare for Amiel Park resident, Braam Beukes, after he was viciously attacked by a pitbull on Thursday, July 31.

Beukes, a passionate war memorabilia collector, said he has walked the same field for more than six years without ever encountering danger.

However, that day his routine stroll quickly escalated into a life-threatening ordeal.

“I was about halfway through the field when the dog stormed me,” he recalled. “I can’t remember if the owners were entering or leaving their property, but before I knew it, the pitbull was in front of me. He jumped at me three times before locking onto my left arm.”

Beukes said the attack lasted around 10 minutes, with the dog repeatedly biting both his arms and hands while he screamed for help.

“No one helped me; they were too scared. The woman (owner) just stood there staring, even though I was begging her to get her dog off me. I thought it was going to rip my fingers off.”

In a desperate attempt to save himself, Beukes wrestled the dog to the ground.

“I grabbed him around the neck, fell on top of him and put him in a chokehold. I just prayed he wouldn’t turn and bite me in the face.”

Eventually, the dog released his arm, tried to attack again but then stopped and walked away, its face emotionless and drenched in blood.

“I think both of us were exhausted. I dropped to my knees and asked bystanders for help to stop the bleeding. I then phoned my son and wife.”

Beukes sustained severe injuries: torn skin and open wounds on his left arm, multiple puncture wounds across all fingers, and a severely damaged middle finger on his right hand with no feeling.

He received 60 to 70 stitches and developed an infection, requiring daily antibiotic treatment.

“I’ve never known pain like this; it’s excruciating, constant and unexplainable. I have also already started experiencing night terrors,” he shared.

The impact on his life has been devastating. Beukes, who makes resin jewellery for a living, can no longer use his hands and, as a result, cannot earn an income.

“I feel completely helpless. My hands are my livelihood. Apart from that, I can’t do simple tasks like dressing or bathing myself, so my wife has to do everything for me.”

Beukes has since opened a case with the Newcastle SAPS and sought legal advice.

“Everything is now being dealt with legally. I want dog owners to take proper responsibility and train their dogs so this doesn’t happen again. The dog was not provoked. What if the next person is a woman or a child? Proper dog ownership can prevent attacks like this.”

Beukes concluded by thanking Madadeni Hospital for their ‘great service’ from the moment he arrived until his release.

Piling medical costs:

Beukes does not have medical aid, and initially was treated at a government hospital, where his wounds were cleaned and stitched.

However, he has unfortunately developed a serious infection and is now in urgent need of specialist care and hospitalisation.

The family is currently raising funds to help cover the following medical costs:

• Urgent hospital care and treatment
• Specialist consultation and potential surgery
• Medication, wound care, and infection management
• Rehabilitation and living costs during recovery.

Any amount you can give, big or small, will be greatly appreciated.

If you wish to assist, please visit his Back-a-Buddy page: Urgent Care Needed After Dog Attack

“Thank you so much for your support and compassion. Let’s help Braam recover physically and emotionally,” he concluded.

ALSO READ: NEWCASTLE KZN: Local gynaecologist ‘stable but serious’ after dog attack

ALSO READ: ER24 issues dog attack safety tips

The news provided to you in this link has been investigated and compiled by the editorial staff of the Newcastle Advertiser, a sold newspaper distributed in the Newcastle area. Please follow us on Youtube and feel free to like, comment, and subscribe. For more local news, visit our webpage, follow us on Facebook and Twitter, and request an add on our WhatsApp (082 874 5550).