Bloemfontein Woman Found Guilty After Pitbull Kills Neighbour’s Son

A tragic case reignites South Africa’s debate on dangerous dogs and owner accountability

In a case that has shocked the Bloemfontein community and beyond, a 43-year-old woman, Keabetswe Moroane, has been convicted of culpable homicide after her pitbull fatally attacked her neighbour’s eight-year-old son. The heartbreaking incident took place on 12 November 2023, when the dog broke loose and mauled the young boy as he played in his family’s garage.

A preventable tragedy

According to the court’s findings, Moroane had been warned multiple times about the dog’s aggressive behaviour. She and her neighbours had even attempted to contain the animal with makeshift fences and wooden poles. But the court found that these efforts were either inadequate or poorly maintained — and ultimately failed to prevent disaster.

On the day of the attack, the pitbull escaped from Moroane’s property and charged into the neighbour’s yard, where the child was playing. The injuries were so severe that he died on the scene, prompting an outpouring of grief in the local community.

The court’s ruling: negligence has consequences

The Bloemfontein Regional Court found that Moroane’s failure to properly contain her dog — despite its known danger — amounted to gross negligence. The judge emphasised her duty of care to others, especially in light of the pitbull’s behavioural history. That duty, the court said, had been breached in the worst possible way.

Moroane was found guilty of culpable homicide, a verdict that legal experts say may set a precedent for how South Africa handles similar dog attack cases in future.

Community reaction: grief, outrage, and a call for change

The case has reignited public debate around pitbull ownership in South Africa. Over the past few years, there have been mounting calls from citizens and animal welfare groups to ban or strictly regulate ownership of breeds considered high-risk, including pitbulls.

“This was not just a tragic accident. It was avoidable,” wrote one social media user on X, formerly Twitter. “How many more children must die before serious laws are put in place?”

Others have called for mandatory training and licensing for owners of aggressive dog breeds, while some argue the real issue is irresponsible pet ownership — not the animals themselves.

What comes next?

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomed the verdict, describing it as a step toward justice for the grieving family. NPA spokesperson Mojalefa Senokoatsane said the case serves as a stark warning to all pet owners: “When negligence results in injury or death, the justice system must act decisively.”

Sentencing is scheduled for 2 September 2025. The defence has requested a pre-sentencing report, which could influence the final judgment. But for the family of the young boy, no sentence will undo their loss.

The bigger picture: a growing concern in SA

This isn’t the first time a pitbull attack has made headlines in South Africa. In recent years, several fatal incidents involving children have sparked outrage and urgent calls for reform. The Department of Agriculture has previously hinted at the need for stricter legislation, but concrete action has yet to follow.

Meanwhile, communities remain vulnerable — and families like this one are left to pick up the pieces.

If you’re a pet owner, this story is a sobering reminder: your responsibility doesn’t end at the gate. It starts there.

Source:IOL 

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com