Poacher survives attack

Masvingo Bureau.

A FISH poacher from Arda Sikato Estates in Masvingo survived a crocodile attack on Sunday, breaking free of the reptile’s jaws after wrestling it for 30-minutes.

The crocodile pounced on Lysias Jangwa (24) as he fished from a home-made canoe in Lake Mutirikwi. Jangwa overcame the crocodile after repeatedly pummelling it with a log but it left with a huge chunk of flesh from his thigh.

His two colleagues fled from the dam following the attack and rushed to seek assistance from the village.

But when the villagers arrived at the lake, Jangwa had already overpowered the crocodile and managed to move his canoe to the shore where he was bleeding profusely. He was later rushed to Morgenster Mission Hospital where he is being treated.

Jangwa’s father, Mr Ezias Jangwa, on Monday said his son was lucky to be alive.

"He is indeed lucky to be alive after the attack because under normal circumstances the reptile should have killed him but he took the bull by the horns and managed to overpower it. We are so thankful that at least he managed to survive because he could have died," he said.

Villagers from the area said cases of crocodiles attacking fishermen in Lake Mutirikwi were increasing. — Masvingo Bureau.

That must have been one small croc.