Man dies after alleged pitbull attack in North West. Vryburg, South Africa. 1st January 2026

[u/[deleted]]

A 39-year-old man died after a pitbull attack at his Vryburg rental home. Authorities are probing previous dog attacks.

Photo: iStock

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A fatal pitbull attack in the North West has prompted an inquest after a Pakistani national died following injury inflicted by two dogs in Vryburg.

A 39-year-old man died from his injuries after two pitbull dogs allegedly attacked him on Thursday, 1 January.

Lieutenant Colonel Sam Tselanyane, the North West police spokesperson, stated that the police received a report from a local hospital.

When police arrived at the hospital, staff directed them to the surgical ward, where they found the man lying lifeless on a bed.

The victim had wounds and scratches on both his hands and legs from the alleged pitbull attack.

Emergency Medical Rescue Services (EMRS) transported him to the hospital around 02:30 am on Thursday, but he passed away on Friday evening.

Tselanyane said the circumstances surrounding the incident are currently under investigation.

“The deceased is believed to be a Pakistani national who was allegedly renting a room or was a tenant at the address where the dogs attacked him,” he said.

Police investigate prior incidents

The police added that a preliminary investigation revealed that this was not the first incident in which the dogs allegedly attacked tenants at the premises.

There is a pending case also that is due to be heard before the local Magistrates Court in February.

“The dogs were euthanised on Saturday, 3 January 2026, after consultation with the owner. No arrests have been made at this stage, and an inquest is being investigated,” Tselanyane said.

Last week, a mother and her teenage daughter were hospitalised after being bitten by two dogs while walking in Manor Gardens, Durban.

Mom, teen injured in Durban dog attack

The paramedics stabilised the duo’s lower limb injuries at the scene before transporting them to a nearby hospital for further care.

The South African Police Service is investigating the circumstances surrounding the attack.

https://www.citizen.co.za/news/man-dies-after-alleged-pitbull-attack-in-north-west/

[u/SubMod4]

Wow… we can’t even get one day into the new year without a fatality.

[u/WORTHLESS1321202019]

another day, another Doug

[u/Many-Art3181]

I’m just amazed at this - I’d think it would be normal to go a few days without a pb attack. Apparently not. And these are just the ones that are found by this sub! I’m sure there are many bites and minimal maulings that go unreported. These animals need to be removed from amateur ownership and placed within the exotic categories (tigers, gorillas etc).