Cape Town – A three-year-old girl, Sibongakonke Hosiyana, was mauled to death by a pack of dogs in the Marathon informal settlement in Germiston, Ekurhuleni, last Friday.
Described as a quiet, shy toddler who loved puppies, Sibongakonke was attacked while walking through the settlement — reportedly after interacting with puppies recently born to one of the dogs, EWN reported.
Family spokesperson Nurse Mnisi said the child may have been attacked by the mother dog while playing near the litter, adding that the quiet nature of the girl meant her screams may not have been heard during the attack.
Three-year-old Sibongakonke Hosiyana was walking alone to visit her grandfather when she was mauled by five vicious dogs in the Marathon Informal Settlement in Germiston on Friday. https://t.co/HQjfJTol32 via @ScrollaAfrica @EversonLuhanga
— Doreen Mokgolo (@Doreen_Mokgolo) June 30, 2025
The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the community, with residents now calling for the removal of all dogs in the area.
According to Times Live, councillor Geoffrey Mthembu confirmed that the dog owner fled after his shack was demolished by angry locals. He also revealed that the child’s mother is battling advanced cancer, and pledged to assist the family with opening a police case.
The SPCA has advised community members to report the incident to the police and is working with residents on a joint programme to track, vaccinate, and manage the dog population.
A police inquest into the child’s death has since been opened.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu