By Lerato Ndlovu
A Chinhoyi family is demanding compensation after their seven year old son was recently attacked by three pit bull dogs in Mapako suburb.
The boy, Samuel Phineus was defaced and suffered injuries in both legs. He has since received 21 stitches on the face at Chinhoyi Provincial Hospital where he is receiving medical treatment.
Samuel’s father, Tendai Phineus (39) stated that he has forked out US$270 for his son’s medical bill, from the 17th of June to date.
He further alleged that the dog owner, Samuel Mugari refused to meet the medical bills of the child and the family has sought police intervention.
“Since he was attacked on the 17 of June, we have used over US$270 for his medical bills and transportation.
“The owner of the dogs has only offered US$60 and $1 500 and has since started giving me cold shoulders because I reported the incident to police. We want him to pay for the permanent physical and emotional damages that he has caused to our son,” Tendai Phineus said.
The family has vowed to take legal action against Mugari for negligence after his gardener opened the gate, letting the dogs out of his home.
Mugari declined to talk to the media and referred all questions to the district police office.
The young boy was attacked while coming from his grandmother’s house which is opposite Mugari’s residence.
“When I got to the scene, my wife had passed out as she failed to stomach injuries that our child had sustained from the attack and contacted the dogs’ owner who, despite promising to be at the scene in no time, only came three days later” said Phineus.
He further alleges that when Mugari arrived at the scene of the accident, he offered US$40 and $1 500 which was not enough to cover expenses the couple had incurred.
