MAULED BY HER OWN PIT BULLS - Tragic dog attack leads to Mitchells Plain woman's death

A MITCHELLS Plain woman has been mauled to death by her dogs, raising concerns about public safety and calls for stricter controls around dangerous dogs.

Graphic video footage showed the attack, with one of the pit bulls biting her.

Police confirmed that SAPS members were called to a premises in Maralize Street, Morgenster, at about 1.53pm last Tuesday, following a complaint of a dog attack.

According to SAPS spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk, officers were informed that the victim had been attacked by her own two dogs inside her backyard.

Van Wyk said: “On arrival the 44-year-old victim was already taken to hospital by private vehicle. The members were informed by bystanders that the victim was attacked by her own two dogs inside her backyard. The neighbours tried to get the dogs away from the victim without success.

“She later died in hospital, on Tuesday, 3 February, as a result of injuries sustained in the attack. An enquiry docket has been opened to investigate the circumstances surrounding her death. Both dogs were removed from the premises by Law Enforcement officers.”

Ward councillor Angus McKenzie identified the victim as Faziela Swartz and described the incident as devastating for the community.

McKenzie said: “I’ve obviously gone away from the video — it’s very graphic. I did put out the post to ask people to please refrain from sharing it due to the extremely graphic nature of the video. It was excessively heartbreaking to watch.

“All that I do know is that I don’t know the circumstances around it, but I know it was a family’s dog, and the dog brutally attacked her. She passed away on the route to the hospital.”

McKenzie said the incident had once again highlighted the need for stronger controls around the breeding and management of certain dog breeds.

“It’s really sad, really, really, really sad. It calls for stricter control around the breeding of pit bulls and control of pit bulls.

“That must have been horrific for her. We just wish the family all the best and that they will draw strength from the multitude of people who are all mourning her loss.”

Fatal and serious dog attacks involving powerful and so-called pit-bull-type dogs have drawn repeated national attention in recent years, sparking debate around public safety, animal ownership and regulation. Several high-profile cases across the country have led to renewed scrutiny of how such breeds are bred, trained and controlled.

Animal welfare organisations have consistently stressed that aggression is not exclusive to any single breed, pointing instead to factors such as irresponsible ownership, lack of training, poor containment and illegal breeding.

At the same time, community groups and victims’ families have called for stricter enforcement of animal-keeping by-laws and clearer accountability when dogs cause serious harm.