Crocodile attack victim’s body still missing in Kavango East

The police and environmental officials are still searching for the body of a 47-year-old woman who is suspected to have been attacked by a crocodile along the Kavango River at Thipanana village in the Mukwe constituency on Monday.

The woman was identified as Ottilia Mbathera, and her next of kin have been informed of her presumed death.

Kavango East crime investigations coordinator Bonifatius Kanyetu told The Namibian on Thursday that Mbathera went to the river in the afternoon to wash clothing and bathe.

He said it is suspected that while bathing, she might have been attacked by a crocodile.

“She was alone at the riverbank, and no one witnessed what transpired.

“Only her clothes and cosmetics were found at the riverbank.

“No inquest has been opened yet, and police investigation and search for her remains continues,” he said.

Mbathera’s cousin, David Muronga, told The Namibian on Wednesday that her daughter got concerned because it was late and her mother had not returned, so she went to look for her.

He added that when she reached the area where they usually collect water, she saw no sign of her mother.

“She only found her clothes, cosmetics, and a blood stain. She went back to inform the family, and the authorities were informed,” he said.

Muronga said Mbathera’s death has now left her eight children, three of whom are underage, without a mother.

He said she was their sole provider since her husband’s death last year.

“As a family we don’t know where to start to take care of them and make funeral arrangements,” he said.

Muronga said the community has urged the Ministry of Environment and Tourism to cull some of the crocodiles in the river due to their increasing numbers.

“However, nothing is being done, and we keep on losing loved ones. We have no choice but to go to the river because of the lack of boreholes in the community,” he said.

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