Mentally challenged man mauled to death by pit bulls in Mpumalanga
Tragic pit bull attack claims life of man with mental health challenges in Mpumalanga.
Image: Supplied
Mpumalanga police in Waterval Boven are investigating an inquest after a man was mauled to death by pit bulls in the early hours of Wednesday.
According to police spokesperson Sergeant Thulisile Magagula, police were called after 5 am to an incident involving a man who had been attacked by dogs.
"Upon arrival at the scene, police and Emergency Medical Services found the lifeless body of a man lying on the road next to a scrapyard," said Magagula.
Magagula said preliminary investigations revealed that two pit bulls and three other dogs belonging to the scrapyard owner were involved.
"The pit bulls were reportedly found with blood on their mouths."
It was also established that the deceased had mental health challenges. He was certified dead at the scene and later identified by his family.
Further investigation indicated that the attack occurred around 2 am, when the man was walking past the premises and the dogs allegedly escaped from the yard. Police were only notified several hours later.
The provincial police commissioner in Mpumalanga, Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi, expressed his deepest condolences to the family and urged dog owners to ensure their animals are properly secured to prevent similar tragedies.
sinenhlanhla.masilela@iol.co.za
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