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 a local resident seriously injured on Monday afternoon. The incident occurred around 1:34 p.m. on August 30 near Bramford Road in Sunford, according to security footage and eyewitness accounts. The boy, whose name has not been disclosed, and his mother were walking along the street when a dog unexpectedly lunged at them. The footage captured the moment the dog attacked, pushing the child onto the pavement and biting him multiple times. His mother tried to protect him, but the animal overpowered them both. Eyewitnesses described the chaos that followed as the dog continued its assault. The child's aunt, Karishma Rambally, confirmed that the boy and his mother had been heading to a nearby shop when they passed the house where the dog was kept. According to Rambally, the dog was already outside the gate when they approached. While the dog's owner was fetching the animal, another dog escaped from the yard and began attacking the pair. The boy sustained severe bites to his stomach, left ear, and left arm, while his mother suffered scratches. Both were treated at a local hospital, though the boy's condition remains critical due to the risk of infection. The attack sparked a wave of panic among nearby residents who rushed to the scene upon hearing screams. Several people intervened, using whatever tools they could find to try to drive the dog away. Despite their efforts, the animal reportedly returned and attempted to attack others on the street. Emergency services eventually arrived and secured the area, though the dog was not immediately apprehended. Karishma Rambally expressed deep concern over the emotional toll the incident has taken on her nephew and his mother. She emphasized that the boy has autism and ADHD and had always avoided dogs. “He never liked dogs and we always made sure to keep them away from him,” she said. Rambally noted that the boy has been questioning what he might have done to avoid being bitten, adding that the trauma has left both him and his mother deeply distressed. She urged the public not to blame the victim and called attention to the need for responsible pet ownership. Another resident, Justin Haminah, 31, was also attacked during the incident. His mother, Geetha Haminah, recounted how they heard screams and went outside to investigate. They witnessed the dog attacking the boy and his mother before the animal broke free again. The dog then turned its attention to Justin, biting him on the face, ear, and body. After managing to dislodge the dog, Justin fled back to his home, where he received medical treatment. His mother revealed that the dog's owner claimed she could not afford to cover the medical costs, stating she was unemployed and financially struggling. The attack has raised serious questions about the safety of pets in residential areas and the responsibility of dog owners. Local authorities have been informed of the incident, and an investigation is underway. Residents in the neighborhood have expressed fear and frustration, calling for stricter regulations on pet ownership and better enforcement of existing laws. Community leaders have echoed these sentiments, urging for increased awareness and education on keeping pets secure within their properties. As the victims continue their recovery, the community waits for more information on the outcome of the ongoing investigation. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers posed by unsecured pets and the urgent need for greater accountability among dog owners.