South Africa dog-attack accused granted bail
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on IOL
Willem van der Westhuizen, accused of allowing his rottweilers to maul a 14-year-old boy at Sir Lowry’s Pass, has been granted bail of 5,000 rand. He faces charges of attempted murder and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm after two alleged attacks, reports IOL.
Somerset West Magistrates’ Court in South Africa granted bail of 5,000 rand on Wednesday 21 October to 59-year-old Willem van der Westhuizen, who is accused of allowing his rottweilers to attack a 14-year-old boy at Sir Lowry’s Pass. He is facing charges of attempted murder and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, reports IOL.
The attempted-murder charge concerns Christiano Jansen, who was attacked on 7 October near a dam while he was with six friends. The boy suffered serious injuries to his head, face and legs; he was transferred from Helderberg Hospital to Tygerberg Hospital for specialist care. His mother said he was recovering after being discharged from hospital on Tuesday, according to IOL.
The prosecution alleges that Van der Westhuizen allowed the dogs to chase the children before leaving the injured Christiano at the scene. The defence, by contrast, argues that the animals escaped while their owner was walking them on his property and trying to catch them to put them back on their leads. The accused has no previous convictions, reports IOL.
The same dogs are also allegedly involved in an attack on a 36-year-old man a few days earlier. The next hearing is set for 10 December; Christiano’s family is challenging the release, according to community activist Allen Arendse, quoted by IOL.
Summary produced with the help of artificial intelligence tools, under AFREEQUE’s editorial responsibility.
