THE grandmother of a woman who was mauled to death by three pit bulls in Woodlands, Montclair, earlier this month, is calling for justice to prevail as the family seeks answers and accountability.

Heartbroken and still trying to come to terms with the loss of her granddaughter, Nonhlanhla Ndlela said the death of Nomvula Ndlela (29) left the family with many unanswered questions.

Nomvula’s family, based in KwaMakhutha, south of Durban, is calling for an urgent investigation into the matter to ensure that justice is served.

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“Nomvula, as we understand, was walking along the street when the dogs attacked her. She was not at anybody’s property,” said Ndlela.

The dogs’ owners met the Ndlela family to express their support

Commenting on a family meeting between the dog owner and the family, she said the family accepted a donation made by the community to help them cover burial costs.

However, she said donations will never bring back her granddaughter’s life or erase the pain of their loss.

“The owners of the dogs (wife and husband) 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 to us because if the gate had been properly secured, the dogs would not have been able to force it open,” she said.

Community raised donations for Ndlela family

Ndlela praised Ward 64 councillor Norman Gilbert for showing support to the family.

“Gilbert gave us the donation that he said had been raised by the Montclair community. We accepted it with appreciation,” she said.

Also read: Child caregiver fears she will not walk again after dog attack on The Bluff

However, she raised concerns about reports that the same dogs which killed Nomvula had allegedly been terrorising the community.

“If this is true, the owners should have taken preventative measures before this tragedy occurred. The dogs had already shown signs of being a danger to the community, and something should have been done to prevent such incidents,” said Ndlela.

Recounting the day she saw Nomvula’s body with multiple bite injuries, Ndlela said the traumatic sight was something she will never forget.

Nomvula was walking on the corner of Atherstone Avenue and Norwich Crescent when the dogs attacked her on July 2 at around 23:00.

A security guard from the Durban South Security (DSS) who was in the vicinity saw the dogs attacking the victim and intervened.

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

Two dogs were shot and injured while the third dog escaped. The two dogs were taken to Durban South SPCA where they were euthanised.

Ndlela said the Nomvula’s death left a huge void in the family as she was supporting her family.

“She was living with her boyfriend in Montclair, but she used to come to KwaMakhutha to visit the family. She last came to our home on July 1, a day prior to her death,” she said.

The Durban and Coast SPCA’s general manager, Caroline Smith, confirmed that the dogs that attacked the victim were pit bulls.  

Family raises concerns over police response

Ndlela said communication between the family and the Montclair police is not giving them confidence that justice would be served.

“It is the police’s responsibility to keep the family informed about the progress made in the case. We heard that a case was opened at Montclair police station, but the police have not provided us with any details about the matter. We do not even know who the investigating officer is. We want to see accountability in this matter. Those responsible for my granddaughter’s death must be arrested,” she added.

The victim was buried on July 11 after a memorial service held at her home.

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