A 30-year-old man of Lusaka’s Ndeke Meanwood area whose dogs viciously killed an eight-year-old boy has been committed to the High Court for trial after being charged with manslaughter.

Womba Samakayi appeared before Lusaka magistrate Annie Holland yesterday for the explanation of the charge.

Particulars of the offence in this matter are that on July 14, this year in Lusaka, Samakayi unlawfully caused the death of the eight-year-old boy.

When the matter came up before magistrate Holland, Wednesday, Samakayi said he understood the charge after it was read to him.

At this point, magistrate Holland informed Samakayi that the offence he was charged with was beyond her court’s jurisdiction and was merely appearing before her for explanation of the charge.

She added that when the committal certificate from the Director of Public Prosecutions was received, he would be committed to the High Court for trial.

And when the State informed her that the committal certificate was ready, magistrate Holland immediately committed Samakayi to the High Court to undergo trial.

“In front of me is the certificate to commit you to the High Court for trial. I have ordered that you be committed today to the High Court for proceedings,” she said.

According to a statement issued by Police public relations officer Esther Mwaata Katongo on July 14, the boy died after he was bitten by three dogs belonging to Samakayi.

This happened when Samakayi opened the gate to drive into his yard but the dogs came out and attacked the victim who was walking on the road.

The dogs were shot dead by the Police and Samakayi was picked up while his family was evacuated to safety as an incensed crowd threatened to cause damage to the property.

Samakai was later officially charged and arrested for the offence criminal reckless and negligent Acts contrary to Section 237(d) Cap 87 of the Laws of Zambia.