On 14 December 2021, Marizka De Villiers (26) and her two daughters Megan (5) and Chané (9 months), were brutally attacked by the neighbour’s pit bull on an agricultural plot in Randfontein, Johannesburg.

While looking for their dog which went missing, the neighbours dog broke through his chain, began circling Megan, and eventually attacked her face.

“I was fighting with the pitbull while holding my baby in my arms. I shouted out for help but no one came. I told Megan to lay still and to be quiet so that the pitbull would think that she’s dead” – says Marizka.

Without transport, Marizka walked to the nearest road, carrying both her children in her arms, and flagged down a motorist, who drove them to Mohtlakeng 24hr clinic.

Trying to save Megan’s life, Marizka got bitten on both her arms and on her hand, while holding Baby Chané, who suffered serious bites on her lower leg and limb, exposing the muscle to the left of her groin.

Megan’s injuries to her face and arms were so severe, that her chances of survival were minimal.

In need of serious medical attention, Marizka, Megan, and Chané were soon transferred to Leratong Hospital. Megan’s heart stopped beating for the first time on the way there.

Arriving at Leratong Hospital, which was at full capacity, Megan was declared “dead on arrival” as she lost a lot of blood and wasn’t breathing.

In the ambulance on the way to Baragwanath Hospital, Megan’s heart stopped beating for a second time. Fighting for her life, Megan didn’t give up and she pulled through, against all odds.

“This has by far been the most traumatic experience of my life. I have never been so scared and felt more helpless. It felt like time stood still while waiting to hear if my girls were going to make it” – says Marizka.

Hoping for Healing

After a week in the hospital, and not in need of surgery, Chané was eventually discharged on 21st December 2021.

Since the ordeal, Megan has had surgery on her face to close her wounds, as well as surgery on her lower and upper eyelids. She was finally discharged on Christmas eve, 24th December 2021, after spending 2 weeks in hospital.

The family has since moved to Hillshaven, Westonaria.

“Christmas is supposed to be a time of joy and happiness, but it was a very difficult time for our family. Every time I see our battle wounds, I am reminded of what we have gone through. Our lives changed in an instant”  says Marizka.

 

To assist the family with the reconstruction surgery Megan will need to undergo, as well as the trauma and occupational therapy she will need, Carol Murphy, a good samaritan, who met Marizka at Leratong Hospital, has launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy, to appeal to the public for support.

Since the launch of the campaign, over R5000 has been raised, towards the family’s fundraising target of R50 000, with kind contributions from 10 donors both locally and internationally.

Funds raised will be used for the family’s medical expenses and transport, as Marizka is currently unemployed, and doesn’t have medical aid or access to her own vehicle.

“I just want the girls to get the best treatment and surgery they might need and to be together. If this target is reached it will keep my faith in humankind, but most importantly, help the family who desperately needs help” – says Carol

“Megan is physically doing well but emotionally she’s struggling with the whole situation. I hope that she will recover fully and that she can get the best medical care” – says Marizka

Support this campaign on BackaBuddy: 

https://www.backabuddy.co.za/mb-de-villiers

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