A villager in Buhera, Manicaland Province, was seriously injured after being attacked by a hippopotamus on Monday, while his colleague escaped without injury.
The incident happened at Charuma homestead in Netsaringoma Village, under Chief Chamutsa in Buhera.
The two men involved were Tawanda Charuma (38) and Elvis Charuma, who both live at the homestead.
Tawanda suffered injuries to his stomach and buttocks during the attack, while Elvis was not hurt.
Acting Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, confirmed the incident.
He said the attack occurred at around 5.45 am after a hippopotamus was seen resting behind a cattle kraal at the homestead.
News of the unusual sight spread quickly, and villagers gathered at the scene to take photographs.
The animal became agitated and charged at the crowd, forcing some people to climb onto a nearby kraal shed for safety.
The hippopotamus reportedly stood beneath the shed, trapping those who had climbed up.
Although several villagers managed to jump down and run away, Tawanda was attacked as he jumped from the structure.
He was taken to Birchenough Bridge Hospital, where he was admitted and is reported to be in a stable condition. Elvis was safely rescued.
The matter was reported to ZRP Nyanyadzi, and officers from the Parks and Wildlife Management Authority later responded. The hippopotamus was eventually shot dead to prevent further danger.
Assistant Inspector Chinyoka urged members of the public to be extremely cautious when encountering wild animals, warning that they are unpredictable and can pose a serious threat to human life.
He also advised people not to play with or take selfies with wild animals, as this can provoke attacks and lead to tragic consequences.
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