Police in Harare have confirmed the death of a 39-year-old man who was mauled by four dogs in Southerton on the evening of 24 September 2026. The victim has been named as Malcom Takudzwa Muzavazi.
According to the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), the attack occurred between 18:00 and 18:30 along a footpath running between the ZESA Holdings durawall and a car sale in the suburb. Muzavazi was pronounced dead after sustaining fatal injuries.
What police say happened
The ZRP said the animals involved were a male Belgian Malinois and three Belgian Malinois/German Shepherd crossbreeds. The dogs were reportedly under the care of a private security guard who had released them from their kennels to feed them.
Two people have been arrested in connection with the incident. They are Mannex Svova, 21, the security guard on duty, and Itai Tamirepi, 43, the co-owner of the car sale. Police said both are assisting with investigations.
The ZRP has not yet released further details on the circumstances that led to the attack, including how the dogs came to be loose on the footpath at the time.
Arrests and investigation
The arrests signal that investigators are examining whether there was negligence in the handling or containment of the animals. Under Zimbabwean law, owners and handlers can face criminal liability where a dog is dangerously out of control and causes injury or death.
Police have appealed to members of the public with information about the incident to come forward as the inquiry continues.
Growing concern over dangerous dogs in urban Harare
The Southerton attack has renewed attention on the presence of large, powerful dog breeds in residential and commercial areas of Harare. Belgian Malinois and German Shepherd crosses are often kept for security purposes, but animal welfare and safety experts warn that they require strict handling, secure kennels and responsible supervision.
Residents in several suburbs have previously raised concerns about dogs that are left unattended or allowed to roam. In many cases, the animals are kept at business premises, car sales and warehouses, where they may not be properly secured during feeding or cleaning routines.
Safety advice for residents and property owners
Following the incident, residents are being reminded to take basic precautions:
- Report stray or aggressive dogs to the City of Harare and the police.
- Avoid using isolated footpaths near industrial or commercial premises, especially in the early evening.
- Property owners should ensure that dogs are kept in secure enclosures and that only trained handlers manage them.
- Security companies should review their protocols for feeding and releasing dogs.
Anyone who witnesses a dog attack should avoid intervening physically without proper protection and should call emergency services immediately.
What happens next
The two suspects are expected to appear in court once investigations are complete. Police have not indicated whether additional charges may be laid against the owners or operators of the car sale.
Harare Express will provide updates as more information becomes available.