Six-year-old killed in pit bull attack “didn’t stand a chance” – family
The little girl's father said no form of justice would bring back his daughter after she was attacked and killed by a pit bull in Atteridgeville on Monday.
The family of a six-year-old girl who was killed in an attack involving a pit bull in Vergenoeg informal settlement near Atteridgeville on Monday said she stood no chance against the animals.
Charmaine Mahodi succumbed to her injuries before she could be taken to the hospital.
Charmaine’s father, Cedric, said he was called to the scene by neighbours who informed him about the tragic attack.
He rushed to the scene with the hope of immediately rushing his daughter to the hospital. However, it seems it was already too late.
“When I arrived at the scene, Charmaine’s mother told me she was not breathing,” said the visibly distraught Mohodi.
“My child stood no chance against those dogs. They killed her in a very painful way.
“I do not think I’ll ever accept this. Nothing will ever bring justice to me because my child’s life will never be brought back.
Eyewitness Mojabeng Maile said she was lying on the couch when she suddenly saw children run inside the house, being chased by the dogs.
“I jumped on the sofa and started screaming. One of the dogs managed to grab Charmaine and viciously attacked her.
“The other children ran inside the bedroom and jumped on top of the bed where my sick sister’s husband was lying.
“He was very sick, but he managed to fight them off. He, unfortunately, died just the day after the incident.”
Maile said what pains her the most was that she could not manage to help the little girl.
Thogo Masinyane, a victim who was also bitten by the dogs, said the incident happened while she was visiting her neighbor (the dog owner’s house).
“I had flu, so she had invited me for a meal.
“The dogs immediately jumped on me after I opened the gate. They bit me on my thighs, but I managed to push them away.
“What happened to that child is very painful. I feel very sad about it.”
Police spokesperson Mapula Rikhotso said it was believed that the dog hopped over a short fence to attack the young girl who was playing in the adjacent yard.
“It’s not clear how it happened, but investigations are underway,” said Rikhotso shortly after confirming that an inquest docket had since been opened.
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