A 10-year-old girl, Reatlegile Pitsoyagae, continues to recover from a vicious pitbull attack in April that left her with life-altering injuries, including the loss of an eye and a fractured skull. The incident, captured in a widely circulated video, horrified the community and sparked calls for accountability.
The attack occurred on April 2, 2025, around 6 p.m. on Putani Street in Kalashu, while Reatlegile was playing and helping her neighbor. The pitbull, which was later removed and euthanized, inflicted severe injuries, forcing her to spend two months in the hospital.
Despite the physical and emotional trauma, no legal action has yet been taken against the dog’s owner, who has reportedly not reached out to the family since the incident.
A Family’s Plea for Justice
Reatlegile’s mother expressed gratitude for her daughter’s progress but emphasized the need for justice. “All I want is for the law to take its course. Let there be justice—that is all I want to see,” she said. The family opened a case shortly after the attack but is still waiting for developments.
Her father, while acknowledging the unbearable pain the family endures, said they are willing to engage with the dog owner—but only if they take responsibility. “We will forgive them, but truth is, sometimes when you are in pain, it is not easy to forgive. They must come to my house and plead for forgiveness in front of us,” he said.
Police Investigation Underway
Northern Cape police confirmed they are investigating a case of negligence under the Animal Matters Amendment Act (42 of 1993). Authorities stated that the investigation is at an advanced stage, and the case docket will soon be presented to a senior state prosecutor for review.
Police also noted that the family has the right to pursue civil claims for damages, including medical expenses, trauma, and future treatment costs—an option the parents are considering as medical bills mount.
A Long Road to Recovery
Reatlegile, who has been out of school since the first term, hopes to return in the third term. However, she still requires reconstructive surgery, and her family faces a long and costly healing journey.
The case has reignited debates around pet ownership laws and accountability, with many calling for stricter measures to prevent similar tragedies.
For now, the Pitsoyagae family waits—not just for justice, but for their daughter to reclaim the childhood that was taken from her in a moment of unimaginable violence.