Hippo terrorises fishermen at Insiza Dam

Chronicle Reporter November 29, 2008



A HIPPOPOTAMUS is terrorising fishermen at Bulawayo’s largest supply dam, Insiza, forcing some to abandon the practice in fear for their lives.
The hippo is reported to have been living in the dam for some time and it is believed it is the one that attacked two fishermen early this year, resulting in them drowning.
However, villagers suspect that there are now three.
Only last week, rangers from the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority survived death by a whisker when the hippo attacked their boat while crossing the dam.
A witness, Mr Elvis Mtetwa, said the group was attacked by the hippo when they were between 15 and 20 metres into the water. “The hippo emerged from the water and attacked the boat that the group was travelling on. It was trying to overturn it. The rangers worked very hard in making sure that they stayed put on the boat and were not thrown outside. However, one fell into the water and the rangers had to fire three shots to frighten the dangerous animal. The ranger escaped unhurt,†said Mr Mtetwa.
“The rangers then looked for the hippo, but they failed to locate it.â€
The rangers were reportedly transferred from Matopo National Park and it was their first day of work at Insiza.
Mr Mtetwa said the incident had brought fear to the fishermen.

Dear Park Rangers,

Please send your surplus aggressive Hippopotomus(s) for crowd control program at California reservoir.

Regards,

Mr. X

Director

Tousist Infestation Remediation Board