By Admore Mbonda, Kariba
A serene family outing turned into a fight for survival when 26-year-old Ashwin Phiri, a Nyamhunga resident, was ambushed by a 12-foot crocodile in Lake Harvest Harbour, Kariba.
What began as a simple photo session by the water quickly escalated into chaos. “The crocodile appeared out of nowhere and dragged me under,” Phiri recalled from his hospital bed.
“Thankfully, the shallow waters slowed it down, and my relatives’ quick thinking saved me. They threw stones until it let go.”
Phiri, now recovering at Kariba District Hospital, is the fifth victim of a crocodile attack around Lake Kariba this month. With crocodiles encroaching closer to human activity, the region is grappling with a rising human-wildlife conflict.
Local authorities report over 20 deaths from crocodile attacks in Lake Kariba this year, with many incidents going unreported. Survivors like 61-year-old Mr Dembetembe and Kariba Anglers Association chairman Abraham Mukono echo the same fear—nature’s predators are becoming an ever-present danger.
As summer brings heightened activity from crocodiles, Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife spokesperson Tinashe Farawo emphasizes vigilance and community education: “Stay away from shallow waters, especially in warmer months. Knowledge is key to preventing tragedies.”
Ashwin Phiri’s ordeal is a sobering reminder of the risks faced by those living near Lake Kariba. As his family rallies for his recovery, the community is left questioning how to balance coexisting with wildlife and ensuring safety.
The rising tide of attacks calls for urgent measures to address human-wildlife conflicts before more lives are lost.
Ashwin Phiri in hospital.
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