Update

KNYSNA NEWS - The tragic death of Simikuso "Simi" Ntswayibana, who was fatally injured by an unleashed dog on Tuesday 5 November, has once again sparked concern in Sedgefield and other areas where dogs roaming without supervision has become a life-threatening problem. 

Leavel Davis, the ward 1 councillor in Sedgefield, gave comfort and support to Simi's family while a search for him was under way.

 "I can't express enough how devastating this loss is. This was a young kid, full of life, and his tragic end highlights a critical issue that we can no longer ignore," said Davis.

"Dogs on the loose with no supervision and lead are increasingly becoming a big headache, not only in Sedgefield but across many other communities. "This is a crisis that must be addressed immediately. "We've been witnessing a growing number of incidents involving uncontrolled dogs, and it's only a matter of time before something like this happens again, if we don’t take swift action." 

Following the tragic incident, Davis is to discuss the enforcement of bylaws concerning dogs on leashes at a scheduled community meeting. He noted that while the bylaws are in place, their enforcement has not been carried out sufficiently, and there is a clear need for a clampdown on infringements to ensure the safety of everyone in the community. 

“These bylaws must be enforced with consistency and accountability,” said Davis. 

Tragedy 

According to Simi’s grandfather and family spokesperson, Johnson Dyan, Simi and other children were playing as usual in the informal area of Sedgefield, after attending creche, 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. 

Dyan also bemoaned the responsiveness of the police, and said when they eventually arrived at the scene, it was much too late. 

Same dog attacked Simi earlier 

Dyan said the dog that 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.

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

Funeral arrangements had not been finalised. An enquiry was sent to the police and a response will be published once received. 

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