A tragic incident in the North West province has left a community in shock after a 39-year-old man, believed to be a Pakistani national, died following a violent dog attack involving two pitbulls in Vryburg. The fatal incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday, 1 January 2026, and has once again raised concerns around dangerous dogs, animal control, and public safety.
According to the South African Police Service in the North West, Emergency Medical Rescue Services (EMRS) were dispatched to a residential property in Vryburg at approximately 02:30 after reports of a severe dog attack. Upon arrival, paramedics found the man with extensive injuries and immediately transported him to a local hospital for urgent medical treatment.
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Despite efforts by medical personnel, the victim succumbed to his injuries on Friday evening, a day after the attack. Lieutenant Colonel Sam Tselanyane, a police spokesperson, confirmed that the deceased was renting a room at the property where the attack took place. The circumstances under which the dogs attacked him remain under investigation.
Police officers who attended the hospital reported finding the man in the surgical ward with multiple deep wounds and scratches on his hands and legs. The injuries were consistent with dog bites, suggesting a prolonged and violent encounter with the animals. The severity of the wounds ultimately proved fatal.
Preliminary investigations have revealed that this was not the first incident involving the same pitbulls. Authorities confirmed that a related case had previously been opened concerning the dogs and is scheduled to be heard at the Vryburg Magistrates’ Court in February 2026. Details of the earlier incident have not yet been made public, but its existence has intensified scrutiny around the owner’s responsibility and the handling of the animals.
Following consultations between police, animal control officials, and the dogs’ owner, a decision was taken to euthanise both pitbulls. The animals were put down on Saturday, 3 January 2026, in line with safety protocols. Officials have stated that the decision was made to prevent any further risk to human life.
At this stage, no arrests have been made in connection with the incident. Police have opened an inquest docket to determine the exact circumstances that led to the man’s death. The investigation will focus on issues such as negligence, compliance with animal ownership regulations, and whether adequate measures were in place to prevent such an attack.
The incident has sparked renewed debate about the ownership of aggressive dog breeds and the enforcement of animal control laws, particularly in residential areas. Community members have expressed concern over safety and are calling for stricter oversight to prevent similar tragedies.
Police have urged anyone with information that could assist the investigation to come forward, as authorities work to establish accountability and prevent future incidents of this nature.
