Hyena attacks four people in Salima
A suspected rabid hyena on Friday morning viciously attacked an elderly couple and two other persons in Salima before it was killed.
Salima Police Senior Superintendent Darlington Akambadi said the victims are now receiving treatment at Salima District Hospital.
He identified the victims as Faiton Kamwethira, 68, his wife Patuma Shaibu, 53, Chancy Thifu and Boaz Zakeyu, both aged 18 years from Mbulu Village, Traditional Authority Maganga in the district.
Kamwethira said he and his wife were attacked when they were collecting bricks from their garden.
“I was with my wife and a few other people when we saw the hyena near us. I tried to charge but it did not help. It bit me on the hand. When my wife tried to rescue me it turned on her, chopping her hands before other people came to our rescue,” he said.
The hyena fled into a nearby bush where it was killed.
Senior parks and wildlife hunter Mathews Phiri said he suspects the hyena was rabid.
