WATCH: Pitbulls attack leaves Banele battling for life!

BANELE Thabethe (31) sustained severe injuries after allegedly being mauled by two pitbulls.

The incident happened in Spruitview, Ekurhuleni, on Saturday, 25 January, and Banele is still in hospital.

Banele's uncle, Sibusiso Thabethe (49), said his nephew was allegedly attacked around midnight while going to buy a cold drink at a nearby BP petrol station.

He said while Banele walked on Goronyane Crescent Street, he saw an open gate and two pit bulls, prompting him to run.

"He tried to run, but unfortunately the dogs pinned him in the open veld and mauled him brutally. They bite him all over his body, severely wounding his left leg. My nephew's body and face were swollen on the day of the attack," said Sibusiso.

He said Banele's jeans were torn, and his shoes were found a few meters away. Sibusiso said Banele is traumatised and emotionally damaged.

"Banele was in immense pain. The dogs tore flesh from his left leg. My nephew's life will never be the same after this catastrophic event. He doesn't talk about it, which shows he is traumatised and emotionally damaged."

"He lives only with his grandmother, who is a pensioner. He isn't working but used to do piece jobs. Now, he can't do those jobs," said Sibusiso.

ALSO READ - Mum's suicide threat over DNA delay!

A resident said he witnessed the attack.

"I was standing on the wall fence watching the pitbulls maul him. One dog attacked his calf, while the other bit him all over. The attack lasted almost 20 minutes. I threw a brick at the dogs, and they ran away," he said.

Another community member found Banele weak and seriously injured. He said one of Banele's relatives went to get a car and they took him to the hospital.

"When we were in the car, Banele was weak and kept saying his body felt too hot. He looked very traumatised. He was breathing softly, but we managed to reach the hospital, and he was admitted.

"Banele was badly hurt. He suffered a lot, and it will take several months for him to recover from the terrible dog attacks," he said.

Inspector Nkosingiphiwe Sibiya from Germiston SPCA was informed of the incident by Spruitview Phase 1 leaders. The dogs' owner signed them over to the SPCA.

"The dogs are too dangerous for adoption and will undergo a humane euthanasia process," said Sibiya.

He said animal attack victims must go to the hospital for a report and then open a case against the animal's owner.

"After that, the victim must open a case against the animal's owner, and the police will apply the Animal Amendment Act of 1993," Sibiya explained.

Police spokeswoman Warrant Officer Majang Skalkie confirmed that a case of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH) has been opened for investigation, and the docket has been sent to court for a decision.