Boy (13) snatched by crocodile while bathing in a river

Masvingo police on Tuesday said an 13-year-old boy died and his body was never recovered after  being snatched by a crocodile while bathing with his brother.

Willard Sandani was attacked at around last Sunday in Mwenezi River, near the village of Batiti under Chief Sengwe.

Willard's 15-year-old brother watched helplessly as the reptile closed its jaws around his body and whirled down the river with its prey before disappearing.

Chief Inspector Peter Zhanero of Masvingo police said: "Willard and his brother were bathing while standing on a rock in the river.

"A crocodile emerged from the river and attacked Willard before dragging him under the water."

Willard's brother made a desperate dash to the village to call for help.

Added Chief Inspector Zhanero: "Villagers rushed to the scene but watched helplessly as the crocodile disappeared with the boy's body into the water."

Police divers have judged it too risky to search for Willard's body in the crocodile-infested river.

Police have appealed to members of the public not to bath in crocodile-infested waters.