A Bulawayo man has been fined after his unrestrained guard dog attacks an elderly neighbour. Victor Zihu (33) appeared in the Western Commonage magistrate’s court to answer for the terrifying incident, which left the victim requiring hospital treatment.
Presiding magistrate, Mr Jeconia Prince Ncube, handed down the sentence after Zihu entered a guilty plea for the charge of allowing a vicious dog to be at large. The court was told that the consequences of failing to pay the US$120 fine by the 24th of November would be severe.
“The accused was given the legal alternative of a two-month prison sentence should he default on the payment,” a court official confirmed.
The harrowing details of the assault were laid bare by the prosecutor, Ms Cathrine Kuzu. She explained that the accused and the complainant, 61-year-old Sithabile Nyoni, reside in the same area. The peaceful atmosphere of the morning of October 3, 2025, was shattered at approximately 9 AM.
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Ms Nyoni was on foot, passing by Zihu’s residence, when she noticed three canines lying outside his gate. Believing the animals to be asleep, she continued on her journey, only to be ambushed without warning.
“As she continued walking, one of the dogs suddenly charged towards her and bit her once on the right leg,” Ms Kuzu stated, recounting the facts before the magistrate.
The attack was swift and unprovoked.
Bulawayo Man Fined After His Vicious Dog Attacks Elderly Neighbour
The immediate aftermath of the biting saw the injured pensioner rushed to a medical facility for urgent attention for her wounds. The incident was subsequently reported to the police, which set in motion the investigation that led to Zihu’s arrest.
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The case has served as a stark reminder to the community’s pet owners of their legal and moral responsibilities. Magistrate Ncube’s ruling underscores the judiciary’s serious view of such matters, especially when public safety is compromised. A local resident, who wished to remain anonymous, commented,
“It is a lesson for everyone. You cannot be careless with an animal that can cause such harm. That fine, not to mention the prison time, is a very costly mistake.”
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