Fidelis Chavarike
Mutare Bureau
A 36-year-old man from Dhlohlo Village under Chief Mahenye in Chipinge has died after being attacked and bitten by a hippopotamus while fishing in the Save River.
The tragic incident occurred on October 10 at around 2pm.
Manicaland Provincial Police Spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka confirmed the incident and identified the deceased as Gibson Ndlovu, who had gone fishing with his younger brother, Edward Ndlovu (31) and Vardo Matwasa (28).
“While fishing in the deeper part of the Save River, a hippopotamus suddenly emerged and charged towards them. They tried to swim to the riverbank but unfortunately, the animal caught up with Gibson and bit him.
“He drowned in the process while the other two managed to escape unharmed. They later informed Cephas Ndlovu (53), who reported the matter to ZRP Chisumbanje,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.
Police officers and a Zimbabwe National Parks and Wildlife Authority team attended the scene, where they discovered Gibson’s body floating in the river with deep wounds on his left armpit and back.
The Parks team attempted to track the hippopotamus but could not locate it.
Assistant Inspector Chinyoka urged members of the public to exercise extreme caution when near rivers and dams known to harbor dangerous wildlife.
“We urge people, especially those who rely on fishing or river activities to be vigilant and avoid deep or isolated areas where dangerous animals such as hippos and crocodiles are often found,” he said.
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