DOG CASE SHIFTED TO NIGHT

The Lilongwe magistrate court is expected to rule this evening on whether to grant bail to Dean Van Schalvwal, whose dogs viciously bit his watchman.

Chief Resident Magistrate Chifundo Kachale issued the ruling after both the defence and prosecution lawyers raised several concerns.

The state has added a third charge of causing grievous harm after Dean Van Schalvwal allegedly held back the victim's hands while vicious dogs disfigured his face.

Dean Van Schalvwal, 46, of Zimbabwe, now faces a third charge in the Lilongwe Magistrate court.

State prosecutors Harry Mkandawire and Fatuma Silungwe filed a count of causing grievous harm on Monday morning.

The accused allegedly disarmed his guard with a panga knife and held him while vicious dogs attacked.

Mr. Sephas Chimdima's nose and one ear were bitten off by the dogs, disfiguring his face. He continues to be treated in a private room at Kamuzu Central Hospital.

Prosecutors stated that he is not yet capable of appearing in court, so they proposed that the proceedings be moved to the hospital.

Defence Counsel George Mwale objected, claiming that such an application was premature and would necessitate consultation with the victim and medical professionals first.

On Monday, more than 100 people sat on benches and the courtroom floor, while dozens more lined the road leading to the courthouse.

Mr. Dean Van Schalvwal arrived shortly before 10:30 a.m. in a police vehicle, handcuffed to another prisoner whose face was covered.

Defence Counsel George Mwale cited constitutional provisions prohibiting discrimination based on race, ethnicity, and gender in his request for bail.