Hippo kills one in 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.

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.

—Reporting by By Joel Chirwa