Crocodiles attack suspected fish poacher

Masvingo provincial police spokesperson Inspector Peter Zhanero said Simbarashe Matondo (27) of Village 12, Manevow Range, Mwenezi had the upper part of his body from head to the waist eaten by the crocodiles and police retrieved only the bottom half.

The incident happened sometime last week at about 8pm at Chimusoro Dam, Ivane Range.

Insp Zhanero said on the fateful day, Matondo went to Chimusoro Dam in the company of Masinge Masinge (35) with the intention of catching fish.

Upon arrival the two started fishing and were aboard a man-made canoe.

Insp Zhanero said during fishing Matondo and Masinge were approached by two security guards who were manning the dam and they asked them to produce fishing permits, which they did not have. The guards then told them that they were under arrest.

Insp Zhanero said at that time Matondo escaped and jumped into the crocodile infested dam and was immediately attacked by a crocodile while Masinge remained under the custody of the guards.

He said one of the guards then went to Mr Jan Kotz (49) of Ivan Range and told him what had happened.

Mr Kotz drove to the dam in the company of the guards and they took Masinge intending to hand him over to the Parks and Wildlife Management Authority.

The police spokesperson said while they were preparing to go Masinge escaped and reported to Mr Saviours Matondo, brother to the late Simbarashe.

Mr Matondo then reported the incident to the police at Rutenga.

The police attended the scene and retrieved Matondo’s remains. The remains were taken to Neshuro Hospital for postmortem.

Insp Zhanero warned members of the public against plunging into water bodies saying they risk drowning or being attacked by crocodiles.

“Members of the public should not trust water which is not meant for recreational purposes. It is dangerous to just swim in crocodile-infested dams. Investigations are in progress,” he said.

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