By Tendai Makaripe
BANKET — A 74-year-old Darwendale farmer appeared in the Banket Magistrates’ Court facing a culpable homicide charge after his Boerboel dogs fatally mauled a 10-year-old boy last month.
The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) said Billjohn Takawira Magede was charged after his two dogs attacked and killed Shelton Panganai on July 17 at Bonvalley Farm.
According to prosecutors, the victim and three friends were playing soccer when the dogs charged at them. “While others managed to flee, the victim was left behind and was viciously attacked as he ran into a gum tree plantation,” the NPAZ stated in a bulletin released Thursday.
The boys alerted their families, triggering a search. Authorities later discovered Shelton’s lifeless body naked and lying face down in the plantation. Veterinary tests confirmed the dogs had rabies.
The matter has been postponed to August 19 to allow further investigations.
In response to the tragedy, the NPAZ urged the public to act responsibly. “The NPAZ urges the public to ensure their pets, especially dogs, are vaccinated and properly secured to avoid tragic incidents like this one.”
Authorities are treating the case as a reminder of the consequences of neglecting animal control responsibilities, particularly in communities where children often play outdoors.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the Darwendale farming community, with residents demanding stricter enforcement of animal safety regulations.
The case remains under investigation.
