A 74-year-old Darwendale farmer has been brought before the court after two of his Boerboel dogs fatally attacked a 10-year-old.
Billjohn Takawira Magede appeared before Banket Magistrates’ Court facing a culpable homicide charge.
His dogs killed Shelton Panganai on July 17.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe, the tragic incident happened at Bonvalley Farm, where the victim and three friends were playing soccer.
Suddenly, two aggressive dogs charged at the group.
While others managed to flee, the victim was left behind and was viciously attacked as he ran into a gum tree plantation.
The boys reported the incident to their families, triggering a search.
The victim’s lifeless body was discovered naked and lying face down in the plantation later that evening.
Veterinary tests confirmed the dogs had rabies. The matter has been postponed to the 19th of August 2025 as investigations continue.
The NPAZ urges the public to ensure their pets, especially dogs, are vaccinated and properly secured to avoid tragic incidents like this one.
