A 29-year-old man has survived a crocodile attack while fetching water in the Kavango river at the popular recreational area, Rundu beach on Saturday.
A press statement issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism on Saturday indicated that the man, identified as John Nashirere, sustained serious injuries and is currently receiving medical attention at the Rundu State Hospital, noting that in accordance with the National Human-Wildlife Conflict policy an amount of N.dollars 10 000 for medical assistance will be issued.
The statement indicated that the Rundu beach has and continues to be used for recreational purposes with no cases of crocodile attacks reported at least over the last ten years, adding that the influx of people at the site has become prevalent; hence it may have attracted crocodiles.
“The ministry has dispatched a team to monitor the area, particularly the presence of crocodiles and if spotted, it will be put down as a problem causing animal for the safety of the residents” it noted.
The statement called on residents to be cautious at all times when making use of the river and to avoid undertaking activities that may risk their lives unnecessarily such as swimming, washing or bathing while standing in the river.
Source: The Namibian Press Agency
