By Admore Mbonda, Kariba
Kariba –Tawanda Chifamba (45) widely known as Mbare was attacked by a crocodile in the morning while preparing to go fishing.
According to reports, Chifamba had gone to the Lake Kariba area close to Lomagundi Resort, where he was getting ready to start fishing when the crocodile suddenly attacked him.
The incident is understood to have happened in the presence of his two sons, who witnessed the ordeal.
Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Police Commissioner Paul Nyathi has confirmed the incident, saying it is “unfortunate” after loss of life, but stressing that police officers mobilised efforts to protect the public and respond quickly.
Police Commissioner Nyathi said the latest tragedy occurred in Lake Kariba on 20 April 2026 when popular Kariba vendor
During the search and response, a wrong crocodile was identified in the area and was shot dead, only for investigators to later establish that it was not the animal responsible for the attack.
Authorities noted that while crocodile attacks are a regular occurrence in the Kariba vicinity, the incidents have not deterred residents from fishing, which remains a key source of livelihood for many families in the area.
However, the body of Tawanda Chifamba was recovered yesterday morning, following the efforts of local residents, Zimparks, and relatives. He is expected to be buried today at John Range Kariba Cemetery.
The crocodile incident comes against a backdrop of recent wildlife related disasters affecting Kariba and surrounding communities.
Only two days earlier, another Kariba resident, Ice Kapesa, struck an elephant while driving, resulting in the elephant dying on the spot and the driver being hospitalised.
In the same period, another incident was reported from the Chawara area where a minor was attacked. Reports further indicate that the victim is recovering at Mutenderi Hospital in Zambia, as families await updates on the child’s condition.
Community members also recalled that the Kariba community recently buried John Lunna, who was attacked and killed by a crocodile at the same area. With successive cases emerging, residents fear that human wildlife conflict is rising across the country, particularly around areas where communities share space with dangerous wildlife.
In confirming the matter, Police Commissioner Nyathi said ZRP has continued to encourage residents to take caution when fishing and to cooperate with authorities during wildlife response operations.
As the community mourns the death of Chifamba, investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances that allowed the attack and to prevent similar tragedies from occurring again.
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