Dog mauls 17-year-old boy to death

Zim Now Writer

Residents of Trelawney, 14km south-west of Banket were left shocked after a 17-year-old boy was on Tuesday mauled to death by dogs.

The victim, Wilson Chengetai, was working as a herdboy at Rugezha residence owned by one Derrick Rugezha, who has a breed of dogs numbering over 50.

Rugezha is said to have spent the night with the boy’s body before calling the police the following morning.

One of the villagers said the dogs are known in the village for being vicious but Rugezha is known for being a menace.

“As a community, we are still in shock. We all know that Rugezha’s dogs are dangerous. They have on several occasions killed goats in the area, but their owner says he is untouchable, hence we can’t do anything about it.

“But for the dogs to then attack a human being and kill him, it’s something else. Also, Rugezha kept the boy’s body in his house overnight before calling the police, which is shocking. But considering the way he boasts about having friends at Banket Police, I doubt if anything is done,” the villager said.

The victim’s face was reportedly disfigured and both eyes were missing when his body was taken to Banket Hospital Mortuary.

Wilson's aunt said she was shocked at the manner his nephew died.

“I’m his aunt. I have been taking care of him since his mother died in June last year. His father also died.

“He has been working at the Rugezha residence for some time. Mr Rugezha breeds all kinds of dogs, but I never expected this could happen.

“The police just came and took the boy’s body without giving us any explanation, they just said we cannot view his body even before burial,” she said.

She also said she is not convinced of the explanation with regards to his death.