The family of a man who was mauled to death by two Rottweilers in Kenton-on-Sea last month has obtained the assistance of a lawyer and will be filing a civil suit against the dog's owner.
The 38-year-old Khayalethu Bulo died a violent death in the early hours of Saturday morning 30 April.
According to a family member who spoke to Algoa FM News, Bulo was a casual worker and was on his way to town in the hope of getting a job – something he did every day.
Shortly after the incident, the dogs' owner took the animals to the SPCA and asked that the male be euthanized.
The female Rottweiler is still being kept in the kennels at the local SPCA.
The lead inspector for the SPCA in Port Alfred and the Ndlambe District Anel Slabbert says the owner was also breeding with the dogs and still has five puppies at his home.
She told AlgoaFM News that it is the duty of the Municipality to enforce bylaws when it comes to owning domestic animals and breeding with them.
It was initially reported that the animals belonged to the Ndlambe Mayor, but it has since come to light that the dogs belong to her son, who lives on the same property.
The son, whose name is known to Algoa FM News, is also an officer at the South African Police.
Slabbert says since the ordeal, he has only visited his dog twice at the kennels.
She says it is clear that he loves the animal and encouraged him to visit more as it does not understand why it has been separated from its owner.
Slabbert said the female Rottweiler would remain at their premises until further notice and added that only a Magistrate could order it to be euthanised if a criminal case is opened.
Police Spokesperson Warrant Officer Majola Nkohli says the matter is still at the inquest docket stage as several documents are still outstanding.
Bulo, who had no wife or children, was laid to rest earlier this month.
The family member seeking litigation said he is struggling to cope with Bulo's death and needs to see a psychologist.
He asked AlgoaFM News to withhold his name as his family members were afraid of possible repercussions for pursuing the matter.
He says their parents are deceased and it is up to them to seek Justice.
When asked to see a photo of Bulo in happier times, he said they did not even have one of him as he did not like having his picture taken.
Wilma Espag van der Bank from Lessing Heyns & van der Bank attorneys in Gqeberha confirmed that she has taken the family on as a client.
