Police have opened an inquest docket following the death of a man who was attacked and killed by pit bulls in the early hours of Wednesday, 11 February 2026.
According to South African Police Service (SAPS) reports, authorities were alerted to the incident at approximately 05:10. Upon arrival at the scene near a local scrapyard, officers and Emergency Medical Services found the lifeless body of a man lying on the road.
Preliminary investigations indicate that two pit bulls and three other dogs belong to the owner of the scrapyard. The pit bulls were observed with blood on their mouths.
The victim was declared dead at the scene and was later identified by family members. It was further established that the deceased was a patient with mental health challenges.
Investigations suggest the attack occurred at around 02:00 when the man was passing by the premises. It is believed the dogs escaped from the yard at that time. Police were not alerted until more than three hours later.
Police investigations are ongoing.