By Admore Mbonda, Kariba
Kariba, Zimbabwe – The tranquil waters of Lake Kariba were shattered by tragedy on the evening of February 1, 2025, when 61-year-old Ngoni Chikwezvero, a beloved local fisherman, was fatally attacked by a hippopotamus.
The incident occurred as he was fishing near Tsetse Island, leaving the close-knit community of Gatche Gatche Fishing Camp in mourning.
Chikwezvero, a resident of the camp, was out on the lake with his fishing partner, 45-year-old Tafadzwa Billiat, when the deadly encounter unfolded. The two men were aboard a small dinghy when the hippo struck the boat, causing it to capsize.
Amid the chaos that followed, Chikwezvero was knocked into the water and attacked by the aggressive animal.
Despite Billiat’s best efforts to escape, Chikwezvero was tragically unable to survive the assault and drowned.
Billiat, shaken but alive, managed to swim to shore and report the incident to the authorities the following day. Local police, led by Assistant Inspector Effort Chapoto, were quick to respond, launching a search for Chikwezvero.
Their efforts led to the discovery of a severed thigh floating in the water—a grim find later identified by Chikwezvero’s brother, Freddy, from nearby Nyamhunga village. The body part was sent for postmortem at Kariba District Hospital.
“This is a devastating loss for the community,” said Assistant Inspector Chapoto. “We continue to urge fishermen to exercise caution when working in waters inhabited by wildlife, and to use boats designed for such tasks.”
Chikwezvero’s death is a tragic reminder of the risks faced by those who make a living on the lake, where human-wildlife conflicts have become increasingly common.
Hippopotamuses, although herbivores, are known for their territorial aggression, particularly in the waters of Lake Kariba.
Crocodile attacks, too, have led to fatalities in the region, adding to the growing concern about safety on the water.
Community leaders are calling for greater awareness and stronger safety measures to prevent further incidents. While authorities continue their investigation into the attack, the tragedy has sparked an outpouring of grief and support for Chikwezvero’s family.
Chikwezvero, a well-known figure in the area, leaves behind a legacy of hard work and camaraderie.
His sudden loss has left the tight-knit fishing community grappling with shock and sorrow, but also a renewed call for vigilance and care in the face of nature’s unpredictable forces.
As investigations continue, local authorities have reiterated the importance of respecting the delicate balance between human activity and wildlife in regions like Kariba, where nature’s raw power can quickly turn a peaceful day on the water into a life-altering tragedy.
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