A 40-year-old Harare resident, Mike Mupinga, has been arrested and charged with culpable homicide after his pit bull fatally attacked a man on Sunday morning in New Bluffhill, Harare’s Ward 41.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) confirmed in a statement posted on X today that Mupinga is in custody over the incident, in which his dogs allegedly mauled Samuel Machara (39) to death near his residence.
The police revealed that the victim’s body was discovered with multiple dog bite wounds and has since been transported to Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals mortuary for a postmortem examination.
Ward 41 Councillor Kudzai Kadzombe underscored the importance of dog owners securing their properties to prevent such tragic incidents. She noted that local by-laws limit the number of dogs one can keep and mandate proper fencing or gates to ensure dogs do not roam freely.
“For properties under 2,000 square metres—such as in Warren Park, Westlea, Cranborne, Mabelreign, Arcadia, Mabvuku, and Avondale—a maximum of two dogs is allowed. For larger properties, like those in Greystone Park, Shawasha Hills, and Gletwin Park, up to four dogs are permitted,” she said. “Violating these regulations can result in a level three fine, up to six months’ imprisonment, or both.”
Mupinga reportedly kept four dogs: two pit bulls, a Rottweiler, and an Angaran Mastiff.
