Walter Mswazie, Masvingo Correspondent
A FISHERMAN from Triangle is feared dead after a crocodile dragged him into Mutirikwi River.
Emmanuel Zishiri, 44, of Munyoroka Village 4, was fishing with Phillip Muperi, 56, when a crocodile grabbed one of his legs and disappeared into the deep end with him.
Zishiri’s body is yet to be retrieved.
Acting Masvingo police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Kudakwashe Dehwa said the incident occurred on Sunday at around 7PM.
He said the police were still battling to recover Zishiri’s remains.
“I can confirm receiving a report of a fatal crocodile attack.
A fisherman was dragged deep into the waters at the Cheche/Mutirikwi River confluence.
Police attended the scene but could not locate the deceased’s body.
As it is we are waiting for the arrival of police’s sub-aqua unit from Bulawayo’s Fairbridge,” said Asst Insp Dehwa.
He said Zishiri and Muperi had gone to Mutirikwi River to check fishing nets they had cast in the morning.
“Zishiri got into the water leaving Muperi on the river bank about 20 metres away.
After about 20 minutes, Muperi heard Zishiri screaming for help.
Muperi rushed to the scene and saw a crocodile dragging Zishiri into deeper waters.
“Muperi threw stones at the crocodile in a vain effort to scare it off.
It continued to spin in the water with its jaws clamped onto Zishiri’s leg. In no time, his body was not visible,” Asst Insp Dehwa said.
Crocodile attacks are common in Masvingo Province.
A woman from Chivi’s Chief Madzivire area is battling for life at a Harare hospital after she was attacked by a crocodile when she jumped into Runde River while fleeing a python last week.
Two villagers from Mberengwa’s Chief Nyamhondo area sustained serious injuries and are admitted at Musume Hospital and Neshuro Hospital respectively after being attacked by crocodiles on the same day at different positions while fishing in Manyuchi Dam last week.