adminThupeyo Muleya Beitbridge Bureau
Two men and a child aged about seven were killed by a hippopotamus near the New Limpopo Bridge while attempting to illegally cross from Zimbabwe into South Africa on Wednesday night.
A minor, who survived the encounter with severe injuries, alerted passers-by of the attack the following morning.
Limpopo police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Ronel Otto said the victims were among a group of people who were crossing into South Africa through an illegal exit point. She said the rest of the group escaped the attack by fleeing.
“Among the deceased were two men and a child estimated to be aged between seven and nine years. The bodies have been taken to Musina Hospital mortuary. We have also opened an inquest docket,” she said.
Lt-Col Otto said police were yet to identify the deceased who did not have any documents.
“Indications are that the victims were among a group of alleged undocumented foreigners attempting to enter the country by crossing the Limpopo River at Beitbridge Border Post. Along the way they were attacked by a hippopotamus, which killed three of them,” said Lt-Col Otto.
She said the injured boy had been taken to Musina Hospital, adding that his condition was stable. “It is advisable for people to go through the official channels to ensure that they get the correct papers and documentation to enter the country legally. Too many people die trying to enter the country illegally. Some through drowning, attacks by animals or heartless criminals who rape, rob or kill,” she said.
In May this year, two people were killed by a hippopotamus while trying to illegally cross into South Africa.
Online Reporter