After a ten-year-old girl from Galeshewe in Kimberley in the Northern Cape was attacked by a pitbull, the South African Police Service (SAPS) once again urged members of the public to refrain from posting explicit and gruesome photographs of victims on social media.
Northern Cape media spokesperson, Lt Col Sergio Kock, says the police in Galeshewe are investigating a case of negligence or failure to prevent an animal to cause injury to another person, against the owner of the dog.
It is alleged that on Tuesday, 2 April, at approximately 18:00 children were playing in Phutane Street in Galeshewe when the ten-year-old female victim was apparently attacked by the pitbull.
The victim suffered severe injuries to her head and face and was admitted to a local hospital for medical treatment.
Shortly after this, the police noted with concern that gruesome photographs of the attack were circulating on social media platforms.
The dog was removed from the property of the owner by the SPCA Kimberley the following day.
Section 1(1) of the Animal Matters Amendment Act provides that any person, as a result of whose negligence an animal causes injury to another person, shall be guilty of an offense and liable on conviction to a fine or imprisonment for a period not exceeding two years.
The victim and or his/her parents or guardian may also approach the civil court for a claim of civil damages as a result of the injury, trauma, medical costs suffered, as well as future medical costs.
Anyone with information on this incident, can call the police detectives in Galeshewe on 082 495 5420 or call the SAPS Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or utilise the MySaps app.
All information will be treated confidentially.
