Two missing after deadly hippo attack
Police in the Kavango East region have launched a search for two persons who went missing following a hippo attack at Kayova village.
Kavango East crime investigations coordinator, Bonifatius Kanyetu, confirmed the incident which occurred on Tuesday around 08:50 in the Ndiyona area.
According to Kanyetu, the victims were reportedly crossing the river from Angola with the intention of entering Namibia via the Kashipe border post when a hippo suddenly emerged and attacked their boat. The animal struck the boat twice, but it did not capsize. Instead, some of the occupants fell into the water, while others jumped out in fear.
"It was alleged that one occupant who was paddling the boat was bitten on his left leg and left buttock, sustaining severe wounds. The others managed to swim to the Namibian and Angolan riverbanks. The youngest victim, along with two adults who remained in the boat, continued paddling with their hands toward the Namibian side, where they received assistance," Kanyetu said.
In total, five people survived the attack without injuries, while one person was seriously injured. Two individuals remain missing.
Kanyetu added that the injured victim was transported to Nyangana Hospital for medical attention. Meanwhile, the search for the two missing persons was conducted with the assistance of a boat from Kayova River Lodge but was unsuccessful. The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism has been notified, and the search is ongoing.
"No inquest has been registered as the bodies have not yet been recovered. The Angolan Police are also assisting in a joint search operation," Kanyetu said.
Kavango East crime investigations coordinator, Bonifatius Kanyetu, confirmed the incident which occurred on Tuesday around 08:50 in the Ndiyona area.
According to Kanyetu, the victims were reportedly crossing the river from Angola with the intention of entering Namibia via the Kashipe border post when a hippo suddenly emerged and attacked their boat. The animal struck the boat twice, but it did not capsize. Instead, some of the occupants fell into the water, while others jumped out in fear.
"It was alleged that one occupant who was paddling the boat was bitten on his left leg and left buttock, sustaining severe wounds. The others managed to swim to the Namibian and Angolan riverbanks. The youngest victim, along with two adults who remained in the boat, continued paddling with their hands toward the Namibian side, where they received assistance," Kanyetu said.
In total, five people survived the attack without injuries, while one person was seriously injured. Two individuals remain missing.
Kanyetu added that the injured victim was transported to Nyangana Hospital for medical attention. Meanwhile, the search for the two missing persons was conducted with the assistance of a boat from Kayova River Lodge but was unsuccessful. The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism has been notified, and the search is ongoing.
"No inquest has been registered as the bodies have not yet been recovered. The Angolan Police are also assisting in a joint search operation," Kanyetu said.
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