Family demands answers after deadly pitbull attack
Nomvula Ndlela was walking on a Montclair road when she was attacked by three pitbulls that came out of a nearby property.
THE family of a KwaMakhutha woman who died a gruesome death after she was mauled by pitbulls in Montclair on July 2 is left with more questions than answers as it says the explanation given regarding her demise does not make sense.
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According to the police, Nomvula Ndlela, 29, was walking at the corner of Atherstone Road and Norwich Crescent when she was attacked by three pitbulls that came out of a nearby property.
Nomvula’s grandmother, Nonhlanhla Ndlela, said her granddaughter was staying in Montclair with her boyfriend to be closer to work. The incident happened at around 23:00, less than 24 hours after she came back from visiting her family in KwaMakhutha.
As the dogs attacked Nomvula, a security guard who saw what was unfolding responded and shot the dogs. Two were hit, and one escaped. Nomvula was pronounced dead at the scene.
Also read: Don’t demonise pitbull breed, says rescue organisation
Her grandmother has called for an investigation into the matter as she is not satisfied with the explanation given regarding the circumstances.
“The owners of the dogs came to our home to apologise for what happened. They told us the dogs had pushed the gate open even though it was locked. That explanation does not make sense because if the gate had been properly secured, the dogs would not have been able to force it open,” said Nonhlanhla.
She also said the police have failed to give the family any updates regarding the case, adding that she does not even know who the investigating officer is. However, police spokesperson in Montclair, Constable Norah Ndlovu, said an inquest docket was opened and transferred to court for its final decision on the matter.
A monetary donation collected by the community in Montclair was passed to Nomvula’s family to assist with her funeral, which was held on July 11. The two dogs that were shot and injured by the security officer were later euthanised by the SPCA.
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