Kavango man escapes jaws of crocodile while bathing in river

A man was attacked by a crocodile while bathing in the OKavango River at Kafuma village in the Kavango West region last Wednesday.

In an interview with The Namibian from his hospital bed, Damian Haikera (22) said he went to the river intending to fetch water and bathe.

Haikera said his left foot, right thigh, right thumb and index finer, and right arm, were badly injured.

“I was sitting offshore in shallow water while cleaning my feet.

The moment I finished the right foot, the crocodile attacked,” Haikera said.

He then called for help since there were two girls and a man nearby.

“I tried rescuing myself but it was not easy because the crocodile was pushing me into deep water. The people who were there were just watching me being dragged by the crocodile,” Haikera said. “I forcibly fought back by separating its teeth with my hands.”

He said the crocodile dragged him to a depth of almost 75 metres.

“I was rescued by a man who was looking after cattle. He jumped in the river with a panga after he saw me struggling with the crocodile,” Haikera added.

Village headman Andreas Kauma says he received the news on Thursday.

“I haven’t yet gone to the victim’s house to talk to his parents since I heard he was transferred to Rundu Intermediate State Hospital.” He says human-wildlife conflicts are an ongoing issue.

“We are always urging our people not to swim or bath in the river during the flooding season,” Kauma states.

He says predators are more active and increase in numbers during this season.

Kauma also says the town council has made provisions for people to connect water in their houses.

“Some people are connected to water and have taps in their houses, but they still go to the river to fetch water or wash,” he says.

Kauma urges community members to refrain from swimming and staying at the river too long during the flooding season. [Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism spokesperson Romeo Muyunda says cases of human-wildlife conflicts reported in the region are regrettable.

“We have a policy of human-wildlife conflict and the ministry does not compensate the victims or deceased, however, the ministry assists those who are affected,” Muyunda says.

He says the ministry discourages community members from engaging in behaviour that might lead to such attacks.

“Swimming, bathing, fishing at night, provoking animals deliberately, and leaving children without supervision is strongly discouraged,” Muyunda says.

Muyanda further says the ministry needs assistance from community members to assist them in preventing such incidents.

Kavango West regional chief inspector Raimbeth Muronga has confirmed the incident.

“The victim escaped with a broken right arm, with some bruises on the right feet, and on the left arm.

He was rescued by a member of the public and was taken to Nankudu District Hospital for treatment,” Muronga says.

“The communities are hereby warned to be cautious and strictly refrain from swimming in the river during this time of flooding and to be accompanied by others.”

Muronga says the river has filled up, and dangerous animals like crocodiles, hippopotamuses, and snakes remain a threat.

Investigations will continue, he adds.