By Tichaona Katsvamutima
An eight-month-old baby has been mauled to death by a Rottweiler in Harare, while a two-year-old child and a 26-year-old woman were injured in the attack.
The incident occurred in Riverside, Glen View 7, on September 9, according to the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP).
The dog’s owner, identified by police as 48-year-old John Nyandoro, has been arrested and is facing charges of culpable homicide and letting a vicious dog at large.
In a statement posted on its official X account, the ZRP said the infant sustained severe head injuries and died at the scene.
“The ZRP confirms a fatal dog attack which occurred at Riverside, Glenview 7, Harare, on 09 September 2026,” police said.
“A black male Rottweiler dog attacked an 8-month-old infant, a 2-year-old child and a woman (26).”
Police said the two-year-old child and the woman were injured in the attack.
“The 8-month-old infant died on the spot after sustaining severe head injuries while the other two victims were injured,” the ZRP said.
Nyandoro was subsequently arrested and is facing charges of culpable homicide and letting a vicious dog at large. The police urged dog owners to ensure their animals are properly secured.
“The ZRP urges dog owners to secure their dogs at all times,” police said. The fatal attack comes amid growing concern over dog attacks in residential areas.
Last month, a 39-year-old man was found dead with multiple dog-bite injuries near Sabonabona in Eiffel Flats, Kadoma, in a case that also prompted police to warn dog owners against allowing their animals to roam freely.
Earlier this year, a two-year-old child was killed after dogs escaped from a property in Bulawayo’s Douglasdale suburb.
The latest incident has once again highlighted the risks posed by poorly secured dogs, particularly in residential communities where children and other residents can be exposed to attacks.
