A tragic incident unfolded in Bonnievale when a teenage girl, Vuyiswa Mase, 14, fought off a vicious attack by pit bulls to protect her younger siblings. Vuyiswa, along with her siblings aged 11 and 8, was collecting firewood when three pit bulls suddenly attacked them. Despite her brave efforts, Vuyiswa sustained severe injuries, and her grandmother, Gladys Xanywa, was also hurt while trying to save her.
The attack, which occurred on August 20, has left the community in shock and raised concerns about the safety and responsibility of dog owners in the area. The dogs mauled Vuyiswa and her grandmother, who rushed to the scene to rescue her grandchildren. Despite the grandmother’s efforts, the dogs continued their relentless assault, inflicting deep wounds on both Vuyiswa and Xanywa.
“It took nearly an hour to fend off the dogs,” Xanywa explained. “I was bitten on my arms and legs, and my left ring finger no longer works. Vuyiswa’s arms and legs were severely injured as well, but thankfully, she managed to protect her face from the attack.”
Vuyiswa remains hospitalized in a stable condition, while Xanywa has since been discharged. Reflecting on the attack, Xanywa recalled how the situation escalated. “Vuyiswa was eventually dragged into a mud pool by the dogs. I managed to pull her out, and she grabbed a stick to try and fend them off. The dogs finally retreated, but it was a horrifying experience.
Help eventually arrived when a farmworker, summoned by Xanywa, called the dog’s owner. However, the dog owner’s response has left the family disappointed and frustrated. “The owner came with bandages and called for an ambulance, but that was the last we saw of him. We have since opened a case with the Bonnievale police,” Xanywa said.
The Rural and Farmworkers Development Organisation has expressed outrage over the incident. Billy Claasen, the executive director, condemned the dog owner’s negligence and announced plans to pursue both criminal and civil action against him. “We are shocked by the brutal attack on these children and their grandmother. Such dangerous animals should be kept behind proper fencing to ensure public safety,” Claasen stated.
Claasen also revealed that the organization intends to nominate Vuyiswa for a bravery award from the President’s office. “Vuyiswa displayed immense courage by protecting her siblings, and we believe her heroism deserves recognition. Both she and her grandmother could have lost their lives in the attack.”
The dog owner, however, has reportedly shown little concern for the trauma experienced by the family. Claasen added, “This is the same farmer who has previously tried to evict the family and even dumped manure in front of their home. His actions show a blatant disregard for their well-being.”
Bonnievale police spokesperson Joseph Swartbooi confirmed that an inquiry into the attack is underway. “The victims were transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. A case has been registered, and we are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.”
As the investigation continues, the community remains on edge, calling for stricter measures to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. Meanwhile, anyone with additional information about the attack is encouraged to contact Crime Stop.
This incident serves as a tragic reminder of the potential dangers posed by uncontrolled dogs and the importance of responsible pet ownership.
