Online Reporter
Belindah Chikandiwa
Herald Correspondent
A 50-YEAR-OLD Nyabira man is assisting police with investigations after his three dogs mauled a 13-year-old to death at St Mannocks Farm while on her way from school on Monday.
In a statement, police said Caroline Chari was walking home in the company of four schoolmates when they were set upon by three “marauding dogs.”
“The children ran in different directions the dogs pursued and caught up with the victim resulting in her death,” police said in a statement.
In a swift response to the incident police have arrested the owner of the dogs Gift Jambaya (50).
Preliminary investigations have revealed a disturbing lapse in responsible pet ownership. The ZRP confirmed that “the vicious dogs were last vaccinated in 2024,” and that Jambaya had “ignored the Department of Veterinary Services’ 2025 rabies vaccination outreach programme.”
The tragedy has prompted a strong rebuke from the police force against the growing trend of irresponsible dog ownership. The ZRP said it is “disturbed by the trend of vicious dogs being allowed to move without a leash, guidance or being kept loose by the owners.”
Emphasising the duty of pet owners the statement underscored that “it is the responsibility of dog owners to protect the public and strictly comply with public safety measures.”
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police has intensified operations with Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals inspectors, local authorities, Ministry of Health and Child Care to decisively deal with stray dogs and impound all dogs which are being kept in residential areas with no due regard for the safety of Zimbabweans.”
The police have urged the public to remain vigilant and report irresponsible owners.
“The public should report anyone keeping and allowing vicious dogs to roam around streets and suburbs to the police,” the statement concluded.
The community of Nyabira and the nation at large are left mourning the loss of young Caroline Chari, a tragedy that has cast a stark light on the critical importance of animal control and public safety.
The ZRP has stated that more details will be released as the investigations progress.
