Residents of the Ratlou community in Thaba Nchu, Free State, say they are living with growing fear over two pit bulls allegedly linked to businessman Lefu Rasebonang’s property.
According to several community members, the dogs have repeatedly escaped from the premises and allegedly attacked people in the surrounding area. Residents claim that at least four people have been affected by the incidents, with some victims reportedly suffering visible injuries and emotional trauma.
The allegations have created growing tension in the community, where residents say they no longer feel comfortable moving freely around the area, particularly at night.
Some residents claim the dogs have managed to get out of the property on several occasions. They say this has turned ordinary activities, such as walking home, visiting nearby shops or moving around the neighborhood after dark, into situations they approach with fear.
One of the concerns raised by residents is that the alleged attacks have not been limited to a single incident. Community members interviewed by Free State World described multiple encounters in which people were reportedly bitten or chased by the dogs.
One alleged victim described being attacked while walking home. According to the account, the dogs reportedly approached and bit him repeatedly before a bystander intervened and helped him escape.
Photographs and interviews reportedly showed apparent injuries and scars that victims attributed to dog bites.
For some residents, however, the concern extends beyond physical injuries.
An elderly woman from the area reportedly said she is afraid to leave her home at night because of the dogs. She said she sometimes depends on neighbors to check outside for her when she needs to know whether it is safe to move around.
The situation has also reportedly affected community patrols.
A community patroller said alleged attacks often happen at night, when visibility is limited and fewer people are around to assist someone who may be confronted by the dogs. The patroller said this has made community safety work increasingly difficult because those responsible for watching over the neighborhood also fear becoming victims themselves.
Residents say they have attempted to raise their concerns with Rasebonang, but claim they felt their complaints were dismissed.
Some community members allege that they were told they were living on Rasebonang’s land and that their concerns about the dogs were not taken seriously. Residents also claim they did not see sufficient remorse or meaningful intervention following some of the alleged attacks.
Several victims are also said to have opened cases at Selosesha Police Station. Community members, however, claim they have received little or no follow-up regarding their complaints.
The lack of visible action has contributed to frustration among residents, who say they want the matter investigated before another person is seriously injured.
Some community members have called on the SPCA to intervene and assess the situation involving the dogs. Their main request is for measures to ensure that the animals cannot leave the property and potentially endanger people in surrounding areas.
But Rasebonang strongly disputes the picture being presented by residents.
Speaking to Free State World, he denied that his dogs deliberately attack people and questioned whether all of the reported incidents occurred outside his property.
Rasebonang suggested that some of the people who claim to have been attacked may have been trespassing on his premises. He also alleged that theft and other problems have occurred around the back of his business, where he believes some of the incidents involving his dogs have taken place.
According to Rasebonang, the dogs do not simply attack people without provocation. He maintained that there are circumstances surrounding the incidents
