Car dealer arrested after dogs kill passerby in Southerton, Harare

The owner of Scorpion Empire Car Sale in Southerton, Harare, has been arrested after almost a week on the run following a fatal attack by his dogs on a 39-year-old passerby.

Gilbert Rumbwere, 44, was arrested on Tuesday, 29 September, in connection with the death of Malcom Takudzwa Muzavazi.

His arrest was confirmed by Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi.

Muzavazi was attacked between 6 pm and 6.30 pm on 24 September along a footpath between the ZESA Holdings durawall and the car sale.

The dogs, a male Belgian Malinois and three Belgian Malinois-German Shepherd crossbreeds, were under the care of a private security guard who had released them from their kennels for feeding at the time of the attack.

The security guard, Mannex Svova, 21, and the co-owner of the car sale, Itai Tamirepi, 43, had already been arrested.

“Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe Republic Police reiterates that all dog owners should exercise responsibility and ensure that their dogs are properly secured and controlled at all times to prevent attacks on members of the public,” added Commissioner Nyathi.

“No dog should be left to roam streets or suburbs with no owner on sight or under leash.

“Dog owners are reminded to observe all relevant laws, regulations and local authority by-laws governing the keeping and control of dogs.

“This includes ensuring that dogs are properly confined within premises and do not roam unchecked in public places, thereby endangering people’s lives and safety.

“The public is urged to report cases of stray, aggressive or uncontrolled dogs to the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, relevant local authorities or nearest Police Station or contact the National Complaints Desk on (0242) 703631 or WhatsApp on 0712800197, for appropriate action.”