CCTV captures dog attack in Phoenix: Autistic child (8) and resident mauled

A violent dog attack in Phoenix, South Africa, left an eight-year-old autistic boy and two adults seriously injured on Monday afternoon. Security footage captured the incident on Bramford Street in Sunford around 1:34 p.m. on August 30, showing the boy and his mother being ambushed by a dog that had escaped from a nearby property. The footage revealed the chaos as the dog lunged at the pair, pushing the child onto the pavement and biting him multiple times. His mother tried to protect him, but both were attacked. The dog then returned to the street and targeted another resident who had come to help. The boy, whose name has not been disclosed publicly, sustained severe bites to his stomach, left ear, and left arm. His mother, Praviksha Mamgali, suffered scratches but was not as badly hurt. A second man, identified as Justin Haminah, 31, a dispatch worker, was also bitten on his face, ear, and body after rushing to assist during the attack. Both victims were taken to Albert Lutuli Hospital for treatment. According to medical officials, the boy's condition worsened later in the day, requiring life-saving surgery. Karishma Rambally, the boy’s aunt, described the harrowing experience. She said the family had been walking to a nearby tuckshop when they passed the house where the dog belonged. A dog was already outside the gate when they approached, and the owner went to retrieve it. During this time, another dog escaped from the yard and launched the attack. Rambally explained that the boy, who has autism and ADHD, had always been cautious around dogs. “He never liked dogs, and we always made sure to keep them away from him,” she said. “Now he keeps asking what he could have done differently.” Rambally expressed deep concern over the physical and emotional toll on the boy and his mother. “My nephew is severely traumatized. He keeps asking how he could have protected himself,” she said. She also criticized online commenters who blamed the victim, calling such remarks cruel and unhelpful. The family hopes the incident will serve as a wake-up call about responsible dog ownership. Justin Haminah’s mother, Geetha Haminah, recounted how she and her son responded to the commotion. “We heard screams and went outside. We saw the attack and the dog’s owner was able to get it off the child. But they couldn’t hold on to the dog, and it broke free again,” she said. The dog then ran toward her son, grabbing him and pulling him to the ground. After struggling to disengage the animal, Haminah’s son managed to jump back into the yard through a gate. He was taken to the hospital afterward, where he continues to receive treatment. Gareth Naidoo, a spokesperson for KZN VIP, confirmed that emergency services were called to the scene and that both victims received immediate medical attention. “Our medics were confronted with a severely injured child and resident. His mother was also injured. The patients were immediately stabilised and transported to hospital for urgent medical treatment,” Naidoo said. Later that evening, he noted that the boy’s condition had deteriorated, necessitating critical surgery. Naidoo emphasized the dangers of unsecured pets, stating that even friendly animals can become threats outside their homes, particularly to vulnerable individuals like children. The incident has sparked discussions about pet safety and the need for stricter regulations regarding dog ownership. Local authorities have been informed of the attack, and an investigation is underway. Residents in the area have expressed shock and outrage, with many calling for increased measures to prevent similar incidents. As the victims continue their recovery, the community awaits updates on the legal proceedings against the dog’s owner, who has reportedly stated she is unable to afford the medical costs associated with the attack.