Online Reporter
Precious Manomano-Herald Reporter
IN Binga, nestled along the banks of the Zambezi River, The Herald encountered Windasi Mleya, a man whose laughter once echoed through the village.
Now in his late 40s, Windasi is a figure of resilience, but his life took a harrowing turn two years ago.
On that fateful day, while fishing — a skill that had long been the lifeblood of his family — he faced an unimaginable horror: a crocodile attack that would change everything.
It was a typical day for Windasi as he set out to fish in the Zambezi River, a source of sustenance and income for his family. As he cast his net, he noticed a group of elephants crossing the river nearby.
“I thought I was safe,” he recalls, “but then I saw the crocodile lurking beneath the surface,” he said.
Panic surged through him, and in a moment of instinct, he decided to flee towards an island he believed would offer sanctuary. But before he could reach safety, the crocodile struck.
“It was like a nightmare,” Windasi remembers.
“The beast came out of nowhere, and I found myself in a fight for my life. The struggle was fierce, with Windasi grappling against the powerful jaws of the crocodile.
“I thought I would die there, alone in that river,” he said, his voice trembling at the memory.
Just as hope seemed to fade, other fishermen nearby heard his desperate screams.
“I managed to overpower the crocodile, but not without paying a terrible price. I felt the sharp pain as it bit into me, ripping away my legs and one of my arms,” he recounted.
“I survived by God’s grace, but I was left with scars that would never heal.”
The aftermath of the attack was devastating. Windasi was rushed to the hospital, but the physical injuries were only part of the battle.
“I was taken out of the river with blood all over my body,” he said, his eyes reflecting the trauma. “When I woke up, I realised my life had changed forever. I was no longer the man who could provide for my family,” he said.
Once the primary breadwinner, he found himself confined to a wheelchair, grappling with immense challenges.
“My family depended on me, but now we are all suffering,” Windasi lamented.
The burden of his new reality weighed heavily on his shoulders, especially knowing that his three young children and his supportive wife were now facing uncertainty.
“The pain I endure at night from where my legs were cut makes it hard to sleep,” he confessed. “I sometimes wake up screaming, feeling the loss of what I once had.”
The nights are long and filled with anguish, but Windasi tries to remain hopeful. Despite the overwhelming challenges, Windasi has shown incredible resilience. He has a beautiful garden he tends despite his physical challenges.
“I found those big logs in the bush and fenced this garden to ensure my family has food,” he explained. “Every day, I work here, even if it’s painful. I want my children to have a future.”
His determination to provide for his family amidst his disabilities is nothing short of inspiring.
“I think of going back to the hospital for help, but I have no money. I endure a lot of pain at night, but I cannot let my family down,” he said, a fire igniting in his eyes as he spoke of his children.
Windasi is not alone in his struggle; many other fishermen in the Kariba and Zambezi rivers have faced similar tragedies.
“There are so many like me,” he shared. “We all have stories of loss and survival. The river is both our lifeline and our greatest danger.”
His experience highlights the risks that fishermen face daily, caught between the need to provide for their families and the lurking threats of the wild. As Windasi continues to navigate the challenges of life after the attack, he remains steadfast in his hope for a brighter future.
“I want my children to know that no matter how hard life gets, we must keep fighting,” he says, embodying a spirit of perseverance.
The community around him has rallied in support, recognising the strength he demonstrates daily.
Windasi’s garden has become a symbol of hope, not just for his family, but for others in the village who have faced adversity.
His journey from a vibrant fisherman to a man battling the physical and emotional scars of a crocodile attack is a powerful testament to what it means to survive against the odds.
