Hippo kills one in Malawi Vwaza Wildlife Reserve

One person died after being attacked by a hippopotamus in Vwaza Wildlife Reserve early Tuesday morning where she had gone for fishing in Lake Kazuni.hippo

Rumphi Police and Vwaza Wildlife Reserve official confirmed the incident in separate interviews and identified the deceased as Dorica Banda, 36, from Chauluntha Village in the area of Traditional Authority Mpherembe in Mzimba District.

Police Spokesperson Victor Khamisi said the deceased was among a group of poachers who had gone into the protected area for fishing.

“Whilst they were casting their nets, a hippopotamus suddenly emerged on the scene and charged at them. Banda, who was at the time in the water, was singled out by the beast and subsequently attacked.

“When she shouted for help, the rest of the group ran away leaving her at the mercy of the beast,” Khamisi said.

He added that one man who had accompanied her to the lake stood by her and confronted the beast until it let her go.

“However, the beast had already bitten her severely on the right thigh and left arm. Her rescuer and another well wisher took her to Thunduwike Health Centre where, unfortunately, she was pronounced dead on arrival.

“Medical report issued by the health centre concluded that the deceased had died from severe loss of blood as a result of injuries sustained during the attack,” Khamisi explained.

Khamisi further said the deceased was a daughter in-law of Group Village Headman (GVH) Chauluntha Mkandawire.

Vwaza Wildlife Reserve Deputy Manager, Jonas Luhanga also confirmed the incident saying he was informed later in the morning by a messenger of the GVH Chauluntha Mkandawire.--Mana

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Stanley
Stanley
9 years ago

What a shame?

mmike long
mmike long
9 years ago

Taelosi mvuwu imakhala mmadzi masana usiku imakhala out kusaka chakudya.This is my home village and I know the behavior of these animals.we hae had a lot of problems with thses animals destroying our crops.I am coming with my toy.

Mbukavu
Mbukavu
9 years ago

So sad Communities need to be taught how they can safely use natural resources like Lake Kazuni RIP

weddington kamanga
9 years ago

Sad news ,R I P

kukhala
kukhala
9 years ago

R.I.P. POVERTY IN MALAWI IS DIRECTING TO THIS KIND OF BEHEVIOR AS NOTED IN THE ARTICLE HEREIN

Taelos
Taelos
9 years ago

So sad that,a life has been lost,but am surprised to hear that women poachers went under dackness fishing illegally & suddened with kazuni pple’s behaviour as reported in recent news papers. Lets desist molesting these beasts in their teritories.

Wanganyewanganye mtumbuka
Wanganyewanganye mtumbuka
9 years ago

May her soul rest in peace

Kamchitete
Kamchitete
9 years ago

May her saul rest in peace

south ahlomwe
9 years ago

wafa ifa yowawa mayi uyu ,chonde agame imphani mvuu imene yapitsa zimayi wanthu uyu

Taelos
Taelos
9 years ago
Reply to  south ahlomwe

Bear in mind friend,these people molested these beasts in their teritory (water),means it killed for security and it was at night,had it been it went out,it could be another case,lets look this article in a balanced way.

padoko
padoko
9 years ago

RIP

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