Zim GBC News | Gender and Community
STAPLEFORD – A 13-year-old girl has been mauled to death by a pack of vicious dogs in a tragic incident that has left the Salar Farm community in shock and mourning.
Caroline Chari was walking home from school with four friends on 30 September 2025 at St Mannocks Farm when at least six aggressive dogs ambushed the children, forcing them to scatter in different directions. Tragically, the dogs caught up with Caroline and fatally attacked her.
The victim’s elder sister, Sekai Chari, expressed the family’s grief and called for immediate action.
“We urge authorities to put stiffer penalties as dogs have become a menace in our communities,” she told Zim GBC News.
Police have arrested the dogs’ owner, Gift Jambaya (50), as investigations revealed the animals were last vaccinated in 2024, with the owner failing to comply with the Department of Veterinary Services’ 2025 rabies vaccination programme.
Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi described the incident as “disturbing and unacceptable,” emphasizing that negligence by dog owners continues to pose a serious threat to public safety.
“It is sad to note that vicious dogs were last vaccinated in 2024, and the owner ignored the 2025 rabies vaccination outreach programme. The Zimbabwe Republic Police is disturbed by the trend of vicious dogs being allowed to roam without a leash or proper control. It is the responsibility of dog owners to protect the public,” said Commissioner Nyathi.
In response to the tragedy, the ZRP has intensified joint operations with the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), local authorities, and the Ministry of Health and Child Care to impound stray dogs and penalise irresponsible owners.
The police are urging the public to report individuals who allow dangerous dogs to roam freely in residential areas through the ZRP Complaints Desk at 0242 703 631 or via WhatsApp on 0712 800 197.
The death of Caroline Chari has sparked renewed calls for stricter enforcement of animal control laws, with community members demanding justice and stronger measures to prevent similar tragedies.
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