A DEVASTATING tragedy has left the Woodlands, Montclair community in mourning after a woman was fatally attacked by three pitbulls yesterday (July 2) around 23:00.

The victim, whose name is withheld until her relatives are informed, sustained multiple facial injuries and in the neck when the dogs attacked her.

According to the information received, the victim was walking on the corner of Atherstone Avenue and Norwich Crescent when the dogs attacked her.

Also read: UPDATE: Pitbull attack – dog or owners to blame?

Police spokesperson in Montclair Constable Norah Ndlovu said a member of the Durban South Security (DSS) who was in the vicinity saw the dogs attacking the victim and intervened.

“By then it was too late because the victim had already suffered severe facial injuries. The dogs grabbed her by the neck and pulled her to the ground. A DSS guard tried to remove the dogs, unfortunately they would not let go of the woman.

“He had to shoot the dogs to force them to release the victim. Two died, while the third sustained injuries,” said Ndlovu.

She added that the dogs were roaming the streets when the incident happened.

Also read: Dog attack: 10-year-old Wentworth boy mauled by pit bull

“The victim was returning from a nearby garage after buying food when the incident happened. The owner of the dogs has not yet been located. Montclair police have opened an inquest docket,” Ndlovu added.

Ward councillor calls for by-law enforcement

Ward 64 councillor Norman Gilbert said, “I am deeply dissatisfied with the lack of control over dogs in our community and will immediately engage with the SPCA and law enforcement to address this,” said Gilbert.

He also cautioned the public about the consequences of not enforcing bylaws.

“These are the bylaws put by the City put in place to make life safe for its residents,” he said.

Gilbert said the department that is enforcing the by-laws is the Durban Metro Police Services, however, it is under-resourced.

“We have by-laws that limit how many dogs a homeowner can keep in the property. We also have by-laws requiring that dogs be kept within the property. Because these by-laws are not being enforced, these situations are allowed to continue unchecked,” said Gilbert.

Also read: Pitbull attacks Bluff man walking his dog

He sent his condolences to the family and urged the public and dog owners to adhere to the by-laws.

Spokesperson for the police in the eThekwini District, Captain Carmen Rhynes, said the victim sustained multiple bite wounds and, despite the intervention, succumbed to her injuries at the scene.

“The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation,” she added.

For more Southlands Sun news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.

Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter and get news delivered straight to your inbox.