Hyena attacks herders, kills one, injures several


From The Arusha Times
By Staff Reporter

A ferocious hyena attacked a group of herders in Rodapesi village, Kiteto District of Manyara, killing one and badly injuring five others.

The Manyara Regional Police Commander, Parmena Sumari named the deceased as Mr Nkulati Ngwatiti, estimated to be 52 years old who together with a team of other villagers were driving herds of cattle to a far off stream in search of water last Sunday Morning.

The increasing drought in the area has been compelling hundreds of cattle herders to embark on long trips from the village into wilderness in search of water and greener pastures. According to Commander Sumari, the journeys usually involve groups of people and hundreds of animals.

Despite what could have been a safe journey reinforced by the security of a large group, the last Sunday delegation of herders encountered a mishap that few were prepared for.

A large hyena waylaid the team as the procession approached thickest of bushes. Suddenly it jumped on them and combat between the carnivorous animal and the herder ensued.

By the time they succeeded in killing the hyena, six people were already down bleeding, one was pronounced dead shortly after. Commander Sumari said the hyena could have possibly been rabid.