By Admore Mbonda In Kariba
After a long night of fishing on the tranquil waters of Lake Kariba, Wallace Banda and a companion decided to take a quick rest. Unfortunately, that moment of vulnerability would lead to a harrowing encounter with wildlife.
in a terrifying incident that has left both the local community and Wallace Banda himself in shock, the fisherman narrowly escaped a brutal hyena attack while napping under a tree on Forthergill Island last week.
Banda, who is currently recovering in Kariba Hospital, suffered severe lacerations and bruises on his legs during the attack. In an exclusive interview from his hospital bed, he recounted the ordeal. “I was so tired and had a few drinks to celebrate our catch. I didn’t think anything would happen while I was resting,” he said, visibly shaken but grateful to be alive.
Despite the severity of the attack, Banda managed to fight back, using sheer instinct to fend off the hyena. “I remember feeling sharp pain and waking up in panic. I just started hitting it until it ran away,” he recalled. His bravery, however, came at a cost, and he reflected on the situation with newfound wisdom. “I promise to stop drinking and be more cautious in the future. I don’t want to risk my life again.”
Chief Mola expressed both relief and concern regarding Banda’s incident. “This is a stark reminder of the dangers we face living in harmony with nature,” he stated.
“While we celebrate our culture and traditions, we must also prioritize safety. I am thankful that Banda survived, but we need to educate our fishermen about the risks of drinking and sleeping outside.”
As Banda continues his recovery, the community is rallying around him, offering support and discussing ways to improve safety for local fishermen.
The incident has sparked conversations about the importance of respecting wildlife and being aware of one’s surroundings, especially in the beautiful yet unpredictable environment of Lake Kariba.
In the days following the attack, Banda’s story has become a cautionary tale, urging others to take heed of the potential dangers that lurk in the shadows of their serene surroundings. As he heals, Banda hopes to return to fishing, this time with a renewed sense of vigilance and responsibility.
About Author
