Residents warned as Kavango river claims more lives

As water levels rise in the Kavango River, residents of both Kavango East and Kavango West regions have been urged to exercise extreme caution while fetching water, fishing, or washing. The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT) has issued this warning following a series of crocodile and hippo attacks that have resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries.Between January 2024 and February 2025, the ministry recorded five human fatalities and six injuries due to crocodile attacks in the two regions. Ministry spokesperson Romeo Muyunda told Nampa on Sunday that the government has disbursed N$680,000 in compensation to victims of human-crocodile conflicts since last year. The compensation package includes N$100,000 for the families of deceased victims, N$30,000 for those left with disabilities, and N$15,000 for victims who lose body parts.Muyunda identified Ndonga Linena, Katondo, Kayova, and Mayara as high-risk areas, emphasizing that activities like bathing, fishing, and swimming near riverbanks significantly increase the risk of attacks. To address the human-wildlife conflict, the ministry has launched several initiatives. These include community awareness campaigns and conflict resolution efforts. Additionally, boreholes have been drilled in affected areas to provide alternative water sources and reduce human-wildlife competition.Meanwhile, the police in Kavango East recently recovered the bodies of two individuals who went missing following a hippo attack near Kayova village. According to Police Deputy Commissioner Bonifatius Kanyetu, the victims were part of a group crossing the river from Angola when a hippo suddenly attacked their boat. The animal struck twice but did not capsize the vessel. However, some occupants fell into the water, while others jumped in out of fear.Kanyetu reported that one occupant, who was paddling the boat, was bitten on his left leg and buttock, sustaining severe injuries. The others managed to swim to the Namibian and Angolan riverbanks. The youngest victim, along with two adults who remained in the boat, paddled with their hands toward the Namibian side, where they received assistance. In total, two individuals died, five survived without injuries, and one person was seriously wounded.In February last year, two lives were lost to crocodile attacks. In one incident, 14-year-old Edward Katjire was killed while bathing in the river at Shadjunu village in the Mukwe constituency. His body was discovered the next day, torn into two parts. In another tragic incident, Vishoni Ndumbu was attacked while fetching water and fishing with two friends at Mabushe village. The crocodile dragged her into deep water, and her remains have never been recovered.Additionally, 43-year-old Martin Mukerenge was hospitalized after a hippo attack at Shamvura village in the same month.The ministry’s cautionary message highlights the urgent need for vigilance among residents as they navigate daily tasks near the Kavango River.

Residents warned as Kavango river claims more lives

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-01

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Residents warned as Kavango river claims more lives

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-01

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