NPA probe fatal pitbull attack

Dog owner may be charged after woman mauled to death

PITBULL owner Travis Wade may face charges of culpable homicide following a dramatic turn of events in the East London Magistrate’s Court this week.

Pitbulls belonging to Wade, who is from theBaysville suburb, mauled Haidee Pook to death in July 2014.

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesman Tsepo Ndwalaza, yesterday confirmed that an investigation was under way.

“There is a possibility that a case of culpable homicide will be opened but the investigation is still going on,” Ndwalaza said.

Pook’s father, Ray, said yesterday he wanted the law to take its course.

“I think prosecutors or authorities made that decision based on justice and justice must prevail. We are not looking for revenge. I cannot comment further, I am still very emotional and raw at the moment,” he said.

The pitbull attack occurred in Baysville when Pook, who lived in Beacon Bay, visited Wade’s house.

She was mauled to death by a male Pitbull called Tyson and female named Hera.

East London police spokesman Captain Stephen Marais at the time said an inquest docket had been opened.

Marais, who has since left the police force for the private sector, said at the time Pook was declared dead at the scene.

This week at the inquest, a decision was made that the matter be investigated.

Baysville resident Roger Williams came forward claiming Wade had set one of the pitbulls on him after a late night altercation at his house on July 15 2011.

Williams claimed he received about 20 stitches after the alleged attack.

After returning from an overseas trip a few weeks later, Williams said he was informed the courts had declined to prosecute due to insufficient evidence. Three pitbulls – Tyson, Hera and a puppy named Kronos – were removed by the SPCA after the Pook attack, but Kronos was later released.

Wade later allegedly gained entry into the SPCA’s premises and released Tyson and Hera. — siyab@dispatch.