Mitchells Plain woman dies after being mauled by her own pit bulls

Faziela Swartz (44), who died after being attacked by dogs at her home in Mitchells Plain. Police have opened an enquiry docket into the circumstances surrounding her death. A Mitchells Plain woman has been mauled to death by her dogs, raising concerns about public safety and calls for stricter controls around dangerous dogs.

Graphic video footage showed the attack, with one of the pit bulls biting her. Police confirmed that SAPS members were called to a premises in Maralize Street, Morgenster, at about 1.53pm last Tuesday, following a complaint of a dog attack. According to SAPS spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk, officers were informed that the victim had been attacked by her own two dogs inside her backyard.

Van Wyk said: “On arrival the 44-year-old victim was already taken to hospital by private vehicle. The members were informed by bystanders that the victim was attacked by her own two dogs inside her backyard. The neighbours tried to get the dogs away from the victim without success.

[paywall]

“She later died in hospital, on Tuesday, February 3, as a result of injuries sustained in the attack. An enquiry docket has been opened to investigate the circumstances surrounding her death.

[/paywall]