Police Warn Dog Owners After Dog Attacks

By Southerton Business Times | Bulawayo/Harare | September 30, 2026

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has urged dog owners to properly secure their animals after separate attacks in Bulawayo and Harare left several people injured and one man dead.

The warning follows a dog attack in Sauerstown, Bulawayo, on Sunday in which six people, including five juveniles and one adult, were attacked while playing inside a premises.

According to the police, the victims sustained injuries and were referred to medical facilities for treatment. “The ZRP reiterates that all dog owners should exercise responsibility and ensure that their dogs are properly secured at all times to prevent attacks on members of the public,” police said. The dog involved in the Bulawayo attack was subsequently killed by members of the community.

Harare Attack Leaves Man Dead

The latest warning also comes days after a fatal dog attack in Southerton, Harare. On September 24, 39-year-old Malcom Takudzwa Muzavazi was fatally attacked by four dogs along a footpath between the ZESA Holdings durawall and Scorpion Empire Car Sale. The dogs reportedly comprised one male Belgian Malinois and three Belgian Malinois-German Shepherd crossbreeds. Police said the dogs were under the care of a private security guard and had been released from their kennels for feeding when the attack occurred.

The circumstances surrounding the fatal attack have raised questions about how security and guard dogs are managed when they are outside their kennels and whether adequate measures are in place to prevent them from accessing members of the public.

Police Call for Responsible Ownership

Police have not indicated that the two incidents are connected, but the attacks have highlighted the potential risks posed by unsecured or uncontrolled dogs in residential and public areas. Dog owners and handlers are expected to take reasonable precautions to prevent their animals from attacking or escaping into areas where they can come into contact with members of the public.

The ZRP's latest appeal places particular emphasis on responsible ownership and ensuring that dogs remain properly secured. The Bulawayo incident also demonstrates the potential vulnerability of children and other members of the public when dogs are able to roam freely. Police urged dog owners to take responsibility for controlling their animals and preventing situations that could result in serious injury or loss of life.

The two incidents come as communities continue to rely on dogs for security, particularly at homes, businesses and other properties. However, the attacks underline the need for security arrangements involving dogs to be managed in a way that protects both property and members of the public. Authorities have not provided further details on possible legal action arising from either incident.

Zimbabwe dog attacks