adminWalter Mswazie Masvingo correspondent
A 26-YEAR-OLD Chiredzi woman drowned when a canoe she was travelling in capsized following an attack by a hippopotamus at Tokwane River. Police said the incident happened on Friday last week and the woman’s body was recovered two days later. Masvingo provincial police spokesperson Inspector Peter Zhanero identified the woman as Angela Poterai of Makapa Village under Chief Chivichapetura, Triangle.
He said Poterai had accompanied her unidentified husband to Masimba Bus Stop where he intended to board a bus.
“The couple crossed Tokwane River and at that time the water level was still low. Poterai left her husband at the bus stop before returning home. On arrival at Tokwane River she realised that the river was in flood. She then asked her brother, Tabvirei to help her cross the flooded river in a man-made canoe that was left at the edges of the river,” Chief Insp Zhanero said.
Sensing danger, Tabvirei advised Poterai to seek shelter at her hunt’s homestead until the water levels were low.
A few minutes later, a fellow villager, Chrispen Mashaya arrived and Poterai who seemed determined to get to her home asked him to assist her cross the river in the canoe.
“Mashaya agreed and the trio got into the canoe and while they were in the middle of the river, a hippopotamus emerged. Tabvirei attempted to scare it away but the animal charged at them,” said Chief Insp Zhanero.
He said the hippopotamus hit the canoe causing it to capsize. Tabvirei and Mashaya managed to swim to safety after Tabvirei had tried in vain to save his sister.
Online Reporter