By Admore Mbonda, Kariba
Kariba – For 22-year-old fisherman Sailous Magama, a routine morning on Lake Kariba turned into a nightmare when a crocodile attacked him near the Padenga Crocodile Farm.
The harrowing incident, which occurred just after dawn yesterday, has left the young man battling serious injuries, but also a newfound appreciation for life.
Sailous had been out fishing with his friend Clemence Mapuranga when the attack happened. Clemence, still shaken by the memory, shared the terrifying moment.
“It all happened so quickly,” he recalled, his voice filled with disbelief. “One moment we were fishing, and the next, the crocodile had seized Magama and was dragging him into deep water. It was like something out of a nightmare.”
The initial shock threw them into a panic. Clemence and the others nearby fled to safety, unsure of what to do.
“We were frozen for a moment,” Clemence continued. “But then we gathered ourselves, came back to the shore, and tried to scare the crocodile away. It wasn’t easy, and the crocodile didn’t seem to want to let go.”
After a tense struggle, they managed to pull Sailous back to shore, though the damage had already been done. The young fisherman suffered a broken arm and deep lacerations on his back, wounds that will take time to heal.
The incident is part of a troubling trend that has been unfolding in the region.
Tinashe Farawo, spokesperson for the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Authority, revealed that human-wildlife conflict has escalated in recent months.
“Since the start of the rainy season, we’ve seen a significant rise in crocodile attacks,” Farawo said. “In the last two months alone, we’ve recorded more than 20 reports of such incidents, including eight fatalities and three serious injuries.”
The attacks have been concentrated around water bodies like Lake Kariba, the Hunyani River, and the Angwa River.
“The South East Lowveld, Mid Zambezi, and Central regions have been particularly affected,” Farawo explained. “It’s a reminder to all of us to be extra cautious when around water.”
As for Sailous, he is currently receiving treatment at Kariba Hospital, where his family and the local community have rallied around him.
“We’re all hoping he makes a full recovery,” said a family member. “It’s a miracle he’s alive after such an ordeal.”
Despite his pain, Sailous remains grateful for his survival. His story has already inspired many in the local community to be more aware of the dangers lurking in the waters they depend on.
As the region continues to deal with increasing human-wildlife conflict, it’s clear that these stories are not just about survival—they’re about resilience, community support, and a deep respect for nature’s wild inhabitants.
Sailous’s journey to recovery may be long, but the strength of those around him and his own will to heal will certainly see him through.
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