KNYSNA NEWS - A community is in mourning following the tragic death of a 4-year-old boy, Simikuso "Simi" Ntswayibana, who was fatally injured in a dog attack yesterday, Tuesday 5 November.

The incident occurred in the informal settlement area of Sedgefield, where Simi was playing with friends after attending school at Wielie Walie Creche.

According to Simi’s grandfather and family spokesperson, Johnson Dyan, the children were playing as usual when a pack of dogs in the area began chasing them.

One dog managed to reach Simi, and bit him severely, after which he ran into bush near Groenvallei in an attempt to escape from the dog.

“We started looking for him immediately. The community and myself searched tirelessly for him, but we couldn’t find him.
"I contacted the police and the local councillor for assistance, and it was only just before 21:00 that we discovered his body,” Dyan said.

Dogs roam freely
Dyan said that the dog that had attacked Simi had bitten him a week earlier, and he expressed his deep frustration over the fact that dogs in the area are allowed to roam freely, and are not properly controlled and supervised - putting children and other residents at risk.

“We have been concerned for a while now about the number of dogs in the area, and this is not the first time one of them has caused harm.

"The owners don’t take responsibility, and it’s our children who pay the price," Dyan said.
Simi, described by his grandfather as a lively and beloved child, is sorely missed by family and friends.

'Everyone loved him'
“He was full of life, always running around with a smile. Everyone in the community loved him,” Dyan added.

An enquiry was sent to the police and a response will be published once received.
Read more about this story in this week's edition of the Knysna-Plett Herald.

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