Man survives croc attack

Walter Mswazie Masvingo Correspondent
A 61-YEAR-OLD Gutu man had to run for dear life when a crocodile charged at him while he was trying to cross the flooded Shakashe River on Saturday.
Amon Mukuya of Village 2, Norwood Farm, Chatsworth, wanted to attend an evening church service across the river when he met the crocodile.
“I had to abandon my journey to a church meeting when I saw a crocodile just after I got into the river,” Mukuya told Chronicle.
“The water was at knee level and I thought I would be able to cross quickly but had to turn back before I could reach half way.”

He said he got terrified when the almost three-metre long crocodile splashed water at him from a distance.
“I could not run faster because of the water level and I felt a big splash on my face as I hustled towards the river bank,” he said.

“I regained visibility and saw the crocodile charging at me. Thank God, the reptile only bruised my left leg as I jumped onto the river bank and escaped. I am feeling some pain in the leg.”

Mukuya said the crocodile made a second lunge at him while outside the river and missed its target as he took to his heels. “I never knew that the river harbours crocodiles. I am grateful to God,” he said.

Masvingo provincial police spokesperson Chief Inspector Peter Zhanero urged members of the public not to cross flooded rivers as they risk being devoured by crocodiles.

“This incident shows crocodiles are everywhere during the rainy season and members of the public should exercise maximum caution. We urge people not to cross flooded rivers,” he said.