Residents of the Marathon informal settlement in Ekurhuleni have been left traumatised after a three-year-old girl was mauled to death by a pack of dogs.
Ekurhuleni rocked by discovery of toddler mauled by pack of dogs
The incident occurred on Friday, 27 June 2025, when the child was walking alone through a narrow pathway in the settlement.
According to community members, the girl was attacked by five dogs and suffered severe injuries. A local resident told authorities that, by the time they reached the child, she had already been badly bitten and some of her body parts were missing.
Despite efforts to save her, she died later the same day due to her injuries.
Ward 93 councillor Geoffrey Mthembu visited the bereaved family on Sunday, 29 June 2025. He confirmed that this was not the first time the same group of dogs had attacked children in the area.
“The two previous incidents involved other children, who fortunately survived, though with trauma,” he said.
“The dogs have been repeatedly described by the community as highly aggressive and dangerous.”
Friday’s fatal attack has sparked outrage among local residents. In response, some community members demolished shacks believed to belong to the owners of the dogs and killed seven puppies.
Mthembu addressed the community’s reaction, saying, “While I understand the anger and deep frustration experienced by residents, especially after multiple warnings and previous attacks, I urge the community to allow the appropriate authorities to intervene in such cases.”
He added that local officials would be visiting the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) to request their help in removing the dogs and handling the situation.
“This heartbreaking incident has raised serious concerns around animal control, public safety, and the need for urgent municipal intervention,” Mthembu said.
He called on departments within the City of Ekurhuleni — including Environmental Health, Animal Control, Social Development, and Community Safety — to take urgent steps to prevent further incidents and ensure public safety in the area.
Dog attacks in informal settlements pose a serious risk, especially to children. These areas often lack proper animal control, and pets or stray animals can roam freely.
Without fences or clear property boundaries, dogs are more likely to encounter strangers, which can trigger defensive or aggressive behaviour.
