Darwendale Farmer Whose Rabid Boerboel Dogs Mauled 10-Year-Old Boy Faces culpable Homicide Charge

A 74-year-old Darwendale farmer, Billjohn Takawira Magede, has been brought before the Banket Magistrates’ Court facing a culpable homicide charge after two of his Boerboel dogs killed 10-year-old Shelton Panganai on the 17th of July 2025.

The tragic incident happened at Bonvalley Farm where the victim and three friends were playing soccer. Suddenly, two aggressive dogs charged at the group.

While others managed to flee, the victim was left behind and was viciously attacked as he ran into a gum tree plantation. The boys reported the incident to their families, triggering a search.

The victim’s lifeless body was discovered naked and lying face-down in the plantation later that evening. Veterinary tests confirmed the dogs had rabies.

The matter has been postponed to the 19th of August 2025 as investigations continue.

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