Crocodile attack highlights ongoing human-wildlife conflict in Zimbabwe
Tulani Ngwenya
NGEZI, Zimbabwe – In a gripping incident last week, the courageous actions of two young boys, aged 12 and nine, saved a woman from the jaws of a four-metre-long crocodile along the Mungezi River in Magaya Village in Ngezi, Mhondoro.
The harrowing incident shone the limelight on the persistent human-wildlife conflict in the region.
Crocodile attacked woman while she was fishing
The ordeal unfolded as the woman was fishing with nets found in the river when the gigantic monster ensnared her leg with its powerful jaws.
Undeterred by their tender ages, the two boys demonstrated exceptional bravery. The 12-year-old, with strength beyond his years, pulled the woman back from the crocodile’s grasp. Simultaneously, the quick-witted and resourceful nine-year-old fetched a log and courageously tossed it towards the crocodile, strategically aiming for one of its eyes, thereby blinding it.
Crocodile released distraught woman after young boys’ intervention
The bold move proved successful as the crocodile released its grip on the woman. The children’s swift thinking and selfless actions undoubtedly spared the woman from what could have been a tragic fate.
Promptly alerted, national parks authorities arrived at the scene to capture the crocodile, visibly marked by signs of the encounter, including a missing eye. Efforts by Africa News 24 to get an official comment seeking insights into the ongoing human-wildlife conflict, from the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Authority (ZimParks), were fruitless until the time of publishing.
Crocodile attack injuries resulted in amputation
Despite the shock and trauma of the attack and a subsequent amputation of one leg, the woman is reported to be in stable condition, thanks to the heroic intervention of the young rescuers. Villagers expressed astonishment at the boys’ courage, putting their lives at risk to repel the massive reptile and save the woman.
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A Mhondoro villager conveyed their gratitude, remarking, “What surprised us is that such young boys managed to win a battle against the reptile that even elder people could have failed”.
“We thank these boys for saving this woman.”
The incident served as a poignant reminder of the ongoing human-wildlife conflict in the region, emphasising the crucial need for heightened awareness and proactive measures to ensure the safety of communities living in close proximity to wildlife habitats.
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This extraordinary case also illuminates the broader issue of human and wildlife conflict, typically resulting in the tragic death of either the animal or the human involved. In a fortunate turn of events, both the animal and the person survived, defying the grim statistics associated with such confrontations.
Nevertheless, the events underscored the persistent challenges faced by communities living in close proximity to wildlife habitats and the urgent necessity for comprehensive solutions.
