Africa-Press – Namibia. THE Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism is advising locals residing in areas prone to human-wildlife conflict to exercise caution and defend themselves against potential wild animal attacks.
This caution follows two incidents of wildlife attacks recorded in the Kavango East region, where two people were fatally attacked by crocodiles in January.
Ministry spokesperson Romeo Muyunda said that the first attack occurred on January 1st when a female resident of Shikoro village was caught by a crocodile while fetching water. A search for the victim was conducted, and the body was recovered the same day. The deceased was identified as Mudi Muhembo.
In another incident in Mutjiku, Kavango East, on January 4th, a 17-year-old boy was fatally attacked by a crocodile while fetching water from the river. The victim, identified as Bunewero Peter Kuwananayo, lost his life. Ministerial investigation into the matter is underway.
Muyunda reported a separate incident in Marema village, Kavango West, on December 13, 2023, where a 50-year-old man suffered severe injuries from a hippo. The victim is currently receiving treatment in the hospital.
The Ministry expressed regret over these incidents and emphasized their commitment to engaging in human-wildlife conflict mitigation and prevention measures, including water installations in affected communities.
Muyunda underscored the Ministry’s desire to avoid losing Namibian lives due to wildlife encounters. In a recent incident, a 9-year-old Namibian child was reportedly caught by a crocodile on the Angolan side. Ministry officials are at the scene, and the search for the body is ongoing.
Preliminary reports suggest that the victim was with three other children, visiting their grandmother in Angola. They went to the river to fetch water around 8:00 in the morning, and the victim, who intended to wash himself, was immediately attacked.
Muyunda reiterated the risky nature of engaging in activities along the river during these times and emphasized the need for caution. The Ministry is actively working with relevant authorities to provide portable water points in these communities.
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