The Ward councillor for Beacon Valley has expressed deep sorrow following the fatal pit bull attack that claimed the life of a 44-year-old woman, while urging the community to allow authorities to complete their investigation before drawing conclusions.
Councillor Solomon Philander extended condolences to the family and loved ones of Faziela Swartz, describing the incident as a “deeply painful and distressing matter” for the community.
In a statement, Philander confirmed that no prior complaints had been received about the pit bulls kept at the Marlise Crescent residence where the attack occurred.
He reminded residents that the City of Cape Town’s Animal Keeping By-law requires all dog owners to keep their pets under proper control and within prescribed limits, unless a valid permit has been issued.
The by-law empowers authorised City officials to take action, including removing animals, if they pose a danger or nuisance, in order to protect residents and ensure animal welfare.
Philander cautioned against speculation and the spread of misinformation, saying this could add to the trauma experienced by the bereaved family and potentially interfere with due process.
While acknowledging growing calls for pit bulls to be banned, the councillor said decisions around breed-specific restrictions should be guided by law and evidence rather than fear.
He echoed the views of the Cape of Good Hope SPCA and the Pit Bull Federation of SA that a dog’s behaviour is largely shaped by how it is raised and cared for, and that strong breeds require responsible ownership, secure properties, and strict adherence to municipal regulations.
The SPCA has also called for an end to unregulated breeding by imposing mandatory sterilisation of these types of dogs.
Over recent years, several pit bull attacks have resulted in fatalities. Others have led to extremely serious injuries.
In April 2023, a five-year-old boy died after being mauled by two pit bulls as he made a 10-minute walk from his grandmother’s house to his mother’s home in the Eastern Cape.
In March 2023, an 88-year-old woman, Olga Grill, was mauled to death by a neighbour’s two pit bulls as she hung the washing out in her yard in Bonteheuwel. The dogs jumped over a fence between the properties.
In November 2022, three children were killed by pit bulls: a three-year-old boy in the Free State, a 15-month-old toddler in the Eastern Cape and an eight-year-old boy, also in the Free State.
Several countries have implemented nationwide bans or strict restrictions on pit bull-type dogs, including the American Pit Bull Terrier, due to safety concerns. This includes the United Kingdom, Canada (certain provinces), Denmark, Norway, France, Germany, Singapore, Malaysia, and Venezuela.
