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 incident occurred on 10 October at around 2 pm. The deceased, Gibson Ndlovu, had been fishing with his younger brother, 31-year-old Edward Ndlovu, and 28-year-old Vardo Matwasa.
Manicaland Provincial Police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, confirmed the attack. Said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka:
“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.”
Police officers, along with a team from the Zimbabwe National Parks and Wildlife Authority, attended the scene and found Gibson’s body floating in the river, bearing deep wounds to his left armpit and back.
The Parks team attempted to track the hippopotamus but was unable to locate it.
Assistant Inspector Chinyoka urged the public to exercise extreme caution near rivers and dams known to be home to dangerous animals, including hippos and crocodiles.
