Siphakeme .Mnindwa
Sikhumbuzo Moyo, smoyo@chronicle.co.zw
FORMER director in the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister in the inclusive Government era, Ms Addelis Sibutha, is counting her blessings after surviving a life-threatening attack by her pet Boerboel in November last year.
The brutal attack left her with severe injuries, requiring 29 days of hospitalisation at Mater Dei Hospital in Bulawayo, where she underwent four surgeries in just 20 days. Despite the ordeal, Ms Sibutha was discharged in time to celebrate Christmas with her family.
Sharing her miraculous survival story on Facebook, Ms Sibutha credited her recovery to divine intervention.
“On 23 November 2024, I was viciously attacked by our own Boerboel bulldog. I fought the dog calling upon God to save me. I suffered deep and severe lacerations and cuts on both arms, right leg, neck, ear and head.
“I went to the theatre for surgery four times in 20 days. I cannot thank God enough for sending His holy angels to be with me throughout this period,” she wrote.
Although she is still recovering from her injuries and grafting surgeries, Ms Sibutha expressed profound gratitude to God and the medical team that attended to her.
“I am truly grateful to God, our Greatest Physician, Healer, and Restorer for saving and healing me. I have seen the Hand of God at work in my life and will praise the Lord for the rest of my life,” she said.
Ms Sibutha also praised the medical personnel at Mater Dei Hospital for their dedication during her critical period.
“I am greatly indebted to Dr Ernesto Sanchez, Dr Mathe (anaesthetist), Dr Mwale, and many other doctors, as well as Fifth Floor surgical ward manager Sister Zwangendaba, nursing sisters Mathema, Magaya, Ncube, Mlilo, Maguta, and all supporting staff members at Mater Dei, including laboratory technicians and theatre staff. Thank you all for your care, patience, and dedication to the call to serve humanity,” she said.
While attacks by Boerboels are rare in Zimbabwe, they can be devastating when they occur. In 2022, Mr John Gavhera of Selbourne Park, Bulawayo, was fatally mauled by his two Boerboels, which reportedly mistook him for an intruder.
Two months earlier, a seven-year-old boy from Madzimoyo Farm in Hurungwe District, Mashonaland West, was killed by a suspected rabid family dog. The attack left the child’s face unrecognisable.
In 2020, Ms Cherish Muchegwa of West Somerton, Bulawayo, was severely injured after being attacked by her landlady’s five dogs. Her recovery required specialised surgery in India, facilitated by Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce, Raj Modi.
Animal welfare experts have warned that breeds such as Boerboels, Pit Bulls, and Rottweilers can become aggressive if not properly managed.
Mrs Berry Oosthuizen, an animal welfare officer with the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), explained that improper handling and confinement often lead to aggression.
“Dogs like Boerboels are not meant to be locked in small cages or kept in small properties. This frustrates them and makes them aggressive. No dogs are born aggressive; they are made aggressive by improper management,” she said.
Mrs Oosthuizen stressed the importance of socialising dogs with their families to prevent aggression.
“All dogs need to be socialised with their families, but sadly a lot of these dogs are locked up in cages and not allowed to see anybody and when they do, that is when they get aggressive,” she said.
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