Online Reporter
Dalyn Chigwizura
A MAN from Bulawayo’s Gwabalanda suburb was slapped with a US$120 fine when his vicious dog attacked a passerby outside his gate.
Victor Zihu (33) appeared before Western Commonage magistrate Jeconia Prince Ncube charged with letting a vicious dog at large. He pleaded guilty and was ordered to pay the fine or its ZiG equivalent by 24 November, or serve two months in prison if he defaults.
Prosecutor Cathrine Kuzu told the court that Zihu’s dog turned a peaceful Gwabalanda morning into a nightmare for 61-year-old Sithabile Nyoni, who was simply walking past his house.
The court heard that on 3 October 2025, around 9AM, Nyoni spotted three dogs lying outside Zihu’s gate and assumed they were harmless. But as she walked by, one of the animals suddenly sprang up and bit her on the right leg, drawing blood and screams.
Neighbours rushed to help as the terrified woman tried to fend off the snarling dog. She was later taken to hospital for treatment.
A police report was filed, and Zihu was arrested soon after.
Magistrate Ncube reminded dog owners to ensure their pets are properly secured, warning that negligence has real consequences.
