WHEN Thato Legodi saw a pitbull running towards him on Monday, he knew his life was in danger.
The dog attacked the 11-year-old from block K in Soshanguve, Tshwane as he entered Tsaroga Phoka Middle School.
He went for the grade 5 pupil as he got out of a Venture, tore his nose, scratched his left eye and apparently tried to rip off his buttocks.
Luckily, Thato could hide under a car.
But the dog also attacked two boys aged between six and seven next to the car, injuring them on their faces and backs.
The boys were rushed to a clinic and the SPCA was called to control the dog.
The dog owner said he didn’t know how it managed to get off its leash. “My dog might have been provoked,” he said.
A driver who transports children said the dog was unstoppable.
He said he called for help and teachers ran out, throwing stones at the dog.
Thato’s mum Sonia Legodi (30) said the owner must pay her son’s medical bills. “Dog owners don’t lock pets away or have proper security. The dog damaged Thato’s left eye and he might lose his sight. His nose was also damaged.”
SPCA Inspector Meshack Matlou took the dog away. “Owners should keep them in safe places.”
The owner was arrested and released on a warning.