Rasaad Adams|Published
Sir Lowry’s Pass residents and family members of a 14-year-old boy who allegedly was mauled by two rottweilers gathered outside the Somerset West Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, demanding justice and opposing the release of the dogs’ owner.
Willem van der Westhuizen, 59, appeared in court for his bail application after allegedly setting his dogs on Christiano Jansen and a group of friends at a dam near his farm Broadlands Manor in Sir Lowry’s Pass on Tuesday, 6 October 2026.
The teenager remains in Tygerberg Hospital, where he is receiving treatment for severe injuries to his head, face and legs.
Van der Westhuizen faces an attempted murder charge relating to the attack on Christiano. He also faces a charge of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm after a 36-year-old man opened a case against him following an alleged attack by the same dogs on 4 October.
The older victim attended Wednesday’s bail hearing on crutches.
During proceedings, investigating officer Sergeant David Stimelo told the court that Christiano and six friends were playing near the farm dam when they were approached by Van der Westhuizen.
“One of the boys said he heard how the accused said that the dogs must chase them. When the boys saw the dogs running towards them, they ran off. One boy, who is the victim in this case, allegedly fell and was attacked by the dogs,” Stimelo testified.
He said Christiano sustained injuries to the right side of his head, face and legs. A photo shared with the IOL Media also shows injuries covering his left arm.
Stimelo told the court that the investigation and witness statements indicated that Van der Westhuizen allowed the dogs to maul the teenager.
However, the accused’s two lawyers disputed the State’s version, arguing that their client had been walking freely on his property with his dogs when he came across the boys.
The defence claimed the dogs ran ahead of Van der Westhuizen and that Christiano was attacked while their client was trying to catch up with them and put the dogs back on their leads.
Stimelo also testified that Van der Westhuizen allegedly left the injured teenager at the scene. City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services attended to the boy before he was taken to Helderberg Hospital and later transferred to Tygerberg Hospital because of the severity of his injuries.
Outside court, Allen Arendse, who spoke on behalf of the family, said the community wanted answers and would continue supporting the family.
“We welcome the fact that more people are now speaking up about how they were treated by him. Here we had two cases involving the same dogs that occurred in one week. The community wants clarity on where the dogs went, as we understand they have now been taken to a place of safety.
“For now we are happy that he remains behind bars, and we will be back here on Friday to support Christiano’s family and other victims.”
Arendse said Christiano’s family remained hopeful that he would make a full recovery.
He added: “According to his mother, he is getting better by the day. They still have to do a few more tests before he can eventually be released.
“The family wants their son back home. The mother is tired and has been with Christiano since the day he was admitted. We hope that he is gonna make a full recovery.”
The bail application is expected to resume on Friday, when Christiano’s father is due to testify. The court is also expected to hear a petition from community members opposing Van der Westhuizen’s release.