Three people who were conducting work along the Sabie River as part of the Working on Water programme are currently recovering in hospital after they were attacked by a hippo yesterday.

KNP spokesperson Isaac Phaahla confirmed the incident occurred near the Paul Kruger Gate of the park. The team involved in the incident was from the Biodiversity Social Project, which falls under the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment’s Working on Water programme.

According to reports, the team was clearing alien plants along the Sabie River when the hippo charged at them in the thick bush close to the riverbank.

Luckily the group was being accompanied by two armed field guards, who fired shots at the hippo. However, it had already injured three members of the team before it retreated back to the river.

“The three individuals injured in the ordeal were stabilised by the doctor in Skukuza who is contracted by SANParks, before they were transferred to a nearby hospital for further treatment and observation.”

Phaahla confirmed the injuries the trio sustained were serious, but not life threatening.

The park’s management has sent a message of support to the injured, wishing them a speedy recovery.