Crocs, hippos terrorise Kavango East residents

Residents of the Kavango East Region have been urged to exercise extreme vigilance when fetching water, fishing or bathing in the Kavango River.Namibian Police acting regional commander, Deputy Commissioner Eino Nambahu, said crocodile and hippo attacks have been reported in the area. “Last week, crocodile attacks claimed two lives,” he said.Last Sunday, 14-year-old Edward Katjire was attacked by a crocodile while bathing in the river.The incident took place at around 18:00 in the Mukwe constituency’s Shadjunu village. “His body was discovered on Monday, split into two parts.”In another tragic incident, Vishoni Ndumbu was attacked by a crocodile last Thursday at Mabushe village. She went to the river with two friends to fetch water and fish, and was attacked in the process.The animal disappeared with her body into deep water, and her remains have yet to be found, he said.Meanwhile, 43-year-old Martin Mukerenge was hospitalised after he was attacked by a hippo last Thursday at Shamvura village.Mukerenge, who went to the river alone to fetch water, sustained an arm fracture and head injuries during the attack.A place for predatorsNambahu urged residents not to feel relaxed when in or near the river. “This is a place for predators, and such predators feed on the prey of their choice,” he said.He further explained that not all the river points are hotspots for crocodile attacks. “However, one should not take advantage or get comfortable in areas where such incidents haven&#039;t occurred yet. Despite having their territories, these predators can migrate from area to area in search of food,” he said.Nambahu noted that river levels have risen, adding that this usually when such attacks occur.“In the first two weeks of January alone, the region has recorded three lives lost due to crocodile attacks, three lives lost due to hippo attacks and two drownings almost in the same area. This is too much. We cannot continue losing precious lives. We should be careful.”nikanor@erongo.com.na

Crocs, hippos terrorise Kavango East residents

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-03

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Crocs, hippos terrorise Kavango East residents

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-03

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