MILLICENT HUNGWE
Chipinge–A Fisherman, Gibson Ndlovu (38) from Dhlodhlo Village under Chief Mahenye tragically lost his life after being attacked by a hippopotamus while fishing in Save River on October 10 at around 4PM.
According to ZRP Manicaland Provincial acting spokesperson Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, the deceased, had gone fishing with his two younger brothers, Edward Ndlovu (31) and Vardo Matwasa (28), at around 2PM.
The trio entered the deeper waters of the river to fish but the outing turned deadly.
While they were fishing, a hippopotamus suddenly appeared and started charging at them.
In panic, they tried to swim to the riverbank, but Gibson, could not escape.
The hippo caught up with him, bit him severely, and he drowned in the process.
Edward and Vardo managed to escape unharmed.
Edward rushed to inform their elder brother, Cephas Ndlovu (53), who immediately reported the incident to ZRP Chisumbanje.
Police officers from Chisumbanje and rangers from the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority swiftly responded to the scene.
Gibson’s lifeless body was later discovered floating near the riverbank.
Upon inspection, the body had deep wounds on the neck, left armpit, and back, consistent with a hippo attack.
“Authorities have urged locals to exercise caution near water bodies known to be inhabited by wild animals,” Chinyoka added.
