Online Reporter
H-Metro Reporters
WE usually say the dog is our best friend.
There is a degree of truth in that statement.
But, this year, our relationship with our best friend has been tested.
The case which grabbed the biggest chunk of headlines happened in Harare’s Blufhill suburb earlier this year.
The area’s residents were left in shock and anger after a 39-year-old man was mauled to death by a pit bull in the neighbourhood.
The tragedy happened despite their repeated appeals to the owner that he was putting their lives in danger.
The owner of the dogs, Mike Mupinga, 40, was arrested.
“ZRP Mabelreign arrested Mike Mupinga (40) in connection with a case of culpable homicide which occurred at the suspect’s residence,” said police in a statement.
“The case stems from an incident where his pit bull dogs allegedly attacked and mauled Samuel Machara (39) to death on 01/06/25.
“The body of the victim was found near the suspect’s residence with dog bite wounds.”
The residents, who spoke to H-Metro, said Mupinga’s pit bulls have become a menace in their neighbourhood.
They said at one time Mupinga kept about 15 or 16 pit bulls but some of the dogs have died after being attacked by the other dogs.
The residents said their children no longer use the street where Mupinga’s house is located because of concerns they will be attacked by the pit bulls.
“Vana havatodariki kana inini ndakapedzisira kudhara dhara kudarika road iyi,” said a resident.
“Ndane seven years ndichigara muno muBluff Hill, ndogara pama New Stands apa.
“Tinototya, hatidi kukunyeperai.
“Dzakauraya huku dzepa Mai Tari dzikadya huku dzepa Baba Maita but muridzi wacho hapana zvaanoita, Muno muBluff Hill vanenge vachingoti pama pit bulls paye saka iye akutoona kunge arikubvira. Vanhu vagara vachingo complainer.”
Statistics show that between 2022 and mid-2025, Zimbabwe recorded over 95,000 cases of dog bites, and yet it still seems authorities are still trailing behind on enforcing rules on dog ownership.
