Swazi Observer

FULL STORY

CROCODILE MAULS, KILLS MKHULU (64)

By Nokuzola Thwala | 2024-11-23

In yet another shocking incident as a result of the rainy season, a 64-year-old man of Tinkonjaneni died tragically when he was mauled by a crocodile while fishing using a net at Mtindzekwa River in Big Bend on Thursday.

According to one of the witnesses Sanele Mbhamali, who works in one of the sugarcane farms around the area, the horrific incident happened just before 7am on the day when they heard people shouting and he ran towards that direction with his colleagues.

He said he was about to start his shift at the nearby farm, where he works to monitor the water reticulation and irrigation system, when the old man was attacked by the crocodile.

He said they found a group of people, who were shocked at what was happening when Mkhulu Mshiyeni Zunguluza Mkhabela was being mauled by the crocodile right in front of them.

Mbhamali narrated that they watched helplessly as the crocodile mauled the old man who had gone to the river to fish. He said they later reacted by calling the police that arrived to record the fatal incident. He added that this is a second incident in the same river where a crocodile killed and devoured another person.

"We are still traumatised even a day later, as what we saw cannot be erased from our minds. People like fishing in this river whereas it is a known fact that it is infested with crocodiles, as much as lots of fish are also said to be here.

“A few months ago, another person was killed by a crocodile in the same river. Witnesses said it ate him, it showed up with half of the body twice before disappearing again," he said.

Chief Police Information and Communications Officer Senior Superintendent Phindile Vilakati confirmed the incident when reached yesterday. Furthermore, Vilakati issued a warning to the nation to take extra precautions when crossing rivers, fishing or doing anything next to rivers as the rainy season is now upon us.

Swimming
Superintendent Vilakati warned the nation to be very cautious during the rainy season as it has started, to avoid crossing or swimming in rivers particularly when the water is not clear.

She said when the water has become murky due to rains, a lot of things like logs or animals can be hidden. She also warned against crossing in submerged bridges, which she said are dangerous.

Vilakati also called upon parents, guardians and teachers to monitor and be wary of dams and river levels as rains continue to pour.

She said as a service, they urged the nation not to cross rivers and dams where the water levels are high or the ground level isn’t clear during this season because drowning cases normally increase.

Vilakati also urged parents and guardians to take extra care of children whether they are going to wash at the river, cross or swim.“It is not only about the water ,but crocodiles as well because they are now out to ‘play’.

Therefore, the nation should be on the lookout as well. Remember, crocodiles hibernate in winter and come out during this season.

We already have drowning cases that were reported recently. In the past, we also had incidents of toddlers drowning in buckets that had water. We therefore also warn parents to be ensure that the water carrying containers can close properly and ensure safety,” she said.

Adding, the senior superintendent also urged teachers to be on the lookout and monitor the water levels in rivers and dams where school children have to cross. She encouraged that they rather keep watch over the children as compared to having them cross unmonitored when it has rained.

Meanwhile, Eswatini Epilepsy Organisation (EEO) National Director Abraham Ntshalintshali urged their members not to go swimming alone, he said they should be accompanied by at least three people. He said ideally, they should not go to swim but he understood that the heat would generally make people want to cool themselves, through swimming.

He further noted that other causes of seizures on persons with epilepsy were missed medication, stress related sickness including lack of sleep as well as the use of drugs and flashing lights.

“Remember, epilepsy disturbs the function of the brain, the above can affect an already compromised brain function. Anything that makes the mind unstable should be avoided. These include water and fire,” he said.

He added that generalised epilepsy resulted in a stiff body, shaking and muscle contractions. He said the person loses consciousness and can either collapse or not as both sides of the brain are affected.

“Epileptic people should not be exposed to too much sun because heat triggers seizures. Our members should also not go to swim alone, they must be monitored by at least three people because some vibrations are extreme and cannot be handled by one person.

Normally, we would discourage them from swimming, but in the event they go to swim, they must be monitored,” he stated.

share story