It is alleged that the deceased, Nkalamelo Latha, was accompanying one of the farm workers to the farm this morning around 09:00. 

The worker entered the lions' enclosure with Nkalamelo. The lions allegedly escaped from their feeding area and attacked the farm worker and the boy. The farm worker managed to escape without injuries, however, Nkananelo was not so fortunate. He succumbed to his injuries. 

According to the police Nkananelo was an orphan and was residing with his sister and her husband who is a supervisor at Otavi. 

The farm manager, Ina Human, says a man in his 30's, who has been in their employ for the last six months stole the key to the enclosure and gained entry. She says they are heartbroken over the incident.

"The police says it is terribly negligent of him to take a child into a lion enclosure. We always ensure that the enclosure is locked. At all times. No-one can enter the enclosure - we make sure that it is always locked. All the required safety measures are in place. I can't understand why this man decided to steal the keys to get into the enclosure," Human says. 

The investigation continues.

Katleho Morapela/OFM News