Two Tshakhuma boys recovering after crocodile attack
Residents have become increasingly susceptible to crocodile attacks as many rely on the Lutanandwa River for water.
LIMPOPO – Two boys from Tshakhuma are recovering in hospital after being attacked by a crocodile at the Lutanandwa River on January 4. Although both are progressing well and are still in the hospital, they were fortunate to have escaped alive.
On the morning of the incident, cousins Mokiti Mushiana (9) and Rofhiwa Mudau (12) went for a swim in the river to cool off from the intense heat. Rofhiwa told CV that, as they went into the water, Mokiti yelled that he had been caught by a crocodile. “I pulled my cousin from the crocodile’s grip and out of the river. Then the crocodile caught me.”
According to Rofhiwa, the reptile pulled him under the water numerous times. “The crocodile gripped my right leg in its jaws and threw me from side to side. I heard the bones in my leg being crushed. As I fought for my life, my cousin was shouting for help, but I thought I did not stand a chance against such a large predator. I don’t know how I managed to get away from it, but I did,” he said.
Mashudu Davhana, who was among those who helped to rescue Rofhiwa, said he had heard a boy screaming for help at the river at the time. “When we arrived there with other community members, the boy was clinging to a tree. When the crocodile tried to pull him into the water, we overpowered the crocodile which then disappeared into the water. The boy was bleeding and had injuries to his buttocks and left leg. We summoned the nature conservation officers, who came and shot the reptile that Saturday.”
Residents have become increasingly susceptible to crocodile attacks as many rely on the Lutanandwa River for water.
Vhembe SAPS spokesperson, W/O Vuledzani Dathi, said the police were battling to contain incidents of drowning during the summer months as people tended to go swimming and fishing. He issued a stern warning to those who might be tempted to venture into rivers and dams, to take extra care, saying there might very well be crocodiles that could kill them. They also face the danger of drowning.
“Dathi urged the public to listen to the instructions from officials and warned illegal boat users to stop venturing into the dams before more lives are lost.
Regarding incidents of people who had been attacked by crocodiles in the river, he said that the police were facing challenges as the river was infested with many big crocodiles, which hindered their search progress for bodies.
