Harare,  (New Ziana) – Police have launched an investigation into a tragic incident in which a 13-year-old girl, Caroline Chari, was fatally mauled by three vicious dogs at St Mannocks Farm in Nyabira on September 29, 2025.

Police spokesperson, Paul Nyathi said the incident occurred as the teenager was walking home from school in the company of four schoolmates. The group was suddenly attacked by three dogs, forcing the children to scatter in different directions.

The dogs pursued and caught up with Caroline, and inflicted fatal injuries on her. The owner of the dogs, Gift Jambaya, has since been arrested. Investigations revealed that the dogs were last vaccinated in 2024 and that Jambaya had ignored the Department of Veterinary Services’ 2025 rabies vaccination outreach programme.

Nyathi expressed concern over growing incidents of vicious dogs being left to roam without leashes or proper control. “It is the responsibility of dog owners to protect the public and strictly comply with safety measures. T

he Zimbabwe Republic Police is disturbed by the negligence being shown by some dog owners,” he said. In response, police have intensified joint operations with the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), local authorities, and the Ministry of Health and Child Care to deal with stray and unvaccinated dogs.

Authorities will be impounding all dogs kept in residential areas without proper safety precautions. Police urged the public to play an active role in safeguarding communities by reporting cases of vicious or stray dogs.

Caroline’s death has shocked the Nyabira community, underscoring the dangers posed by unrestrained dogs and the urgent need for responsible pet ownership.

New Ziana