Chinese national sued over unpaid legal fees following manslaughter acquittal

A Chinese national, Shi Yaming, who was acquitted last year after his 10 dogs allegedly mauled a 13-year-old girl to death, is now facing a fresh legal battle over unpaid legal fees.

Shi, 40, the director of New Kingo Farms in Lusaka West, has been taken to the Lusaka High Court by Mayembe Legal Practitioners, who are seeking K608,339 in unpaid fees for services rendered during his manslaughter trial.

The charges stemmed from a November 8, 2023, incident where his dogs were accused of causing the death of a minor.

However, Lusaka High Court Judge Egispo Mwansa acquitted Shi, ruling that there was insufficient evidence to link his dogs to the fatal attack, as none of the nine state witnesses could testify to having seen the animals kill the girl.

Following the acquittal, Mayembe Legal Practitioners are now pursuing payment for their professional services, which included attending police stations, handling magistrate court proceedings, securing Shi’s bail, and defending him in the High Court.

The law firm asserted that Shi agreed to pay legal fees calculated at K3,000 per hour, plus reimbursement for disbursements and expenses incurred during the case.

Despite securing Shi’s acquittal, the firm claimed it had not been paid for its work.

In August 2024, the firm contacted Shi via WhatsApp to arrange the delivery of the final bill, which was handed over to Brian Bouer on September 13, 2024.

However, Mayembe Legal Practitioners allege they have yet to receive any payment, despite follow-ups with both Shi and Bouer.

Shi reportedly informed the firm that he had paid Bouer, who in turn claimed to have settled the matter with the law firm.

On October 8, 2024, the firm issued a letter of demand to Shi, but no payment has been made.

The law firm is now seeking K608,339 in unpaid fees, plus interest.

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