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Fisherman killed in hippo attack
3 hrs ago |
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A fishing trip turned tragic for a Dhlodhlo Village man after he was fatally attacked by a hippopotamus in the Save River on October 10.
According to the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) in Manicaland, the victim, Gibson Ndlovu (38), was fishing with his two younger brothers, Edward (31) and Vardo Matwasa (28), when the incident occurred around 4PM.
Acting provincial police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, said the trio had waded into the deeper waters of the river when a hippo suddenly charged at them.
"In panic, they attempted to swim to safety, but Gibson could not escape. The hippopotamus caught up with him, bit him severely, and he drowned in the process," said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.
Edward and Vardo managed to reach the riverbank unharmed and alerted their elder brother, Cephas Ndlovu (53), who reported the matter to ZRP Chisumbanje. Police officers, together with rangers from the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks), attended the scene.
Gibson's body was later found floating near the riverbank with deep wounds on the neck, armpit, and back — consistent with a hippo attack.
Authorities have urged communities along the Save River and other water bodies to be cautious when fishing or collecting water, as hippopotamuses are highly territorial and dangerous, particularly during the dry season.
According to the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) in Manicaland, the victim, Gibson Ndlovu (38), was fishing with his two younger brothers, Edward (31) and Vardo Matwasa (28), when the incident occurred around 4PM.
Acting provincial police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, said the trio had waded into the deeper waters of the river when a hippo suddenly charged at them.
"In panic, they attempted to swim to safety, but Gibson could not escape. The hippopotamus caught up with him, bit him severely, and he drowned in the process," said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.
Edward and Vardo managed to reach the riverbank unharmed and alerted their elder brother, Cephas Ndlovu (53), who reported the matter to ZRP Chisumbanje. Police officers, together with rangers from the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks), attended the scene.
Gibson's body was later found floating near the riverbank with deep wounds on the neck, armpit, and back — consistent with a hippo attack.
Authorities have urged communities along the Save River and other water bodies to be cautious when fishing or collecting water, as hippopotamuses are highly territorial and dangerous, particularly during the dry season.
Source - Midweek Watch
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