A Chivi teenager was last week killed by a crocodile while fetching water in the Runde River, in an incident that left local villagers in a grip of shock.
The teenager Charles Sibanda (15), had gone to the river to fetch water with an ox -drawn scotch in the company of Ezekiel Sibanda and Timothy Banda when the tragedy happened, ZimEye.com can reveal.
As they were fetching water, the scotch cart developed a tyre puncture prompting Ezekiel and Timothy to fix the tyre while Charles continued to fill the drums.
The two heard a deafening scream and when they drew closer to the river Charles was missing. As they continued to investigate what had transpired they saw Charles being dragged into the river by the reptile.
They alerted other villagers but it was too late to save Charles. His bone crushed, badly mauled body was later discovered following a thorough search by divers.
Charles’ relatives expressed shock at his untimely and painful death.
“We are in deep sorrow because of what happened. His death has shocked the entire family,” said a relative. Masvingo Police Spokesperson Inspector Charity Mazula confirmed the incident .
She called on villagers to exercise extreme caution when fetching water from crocodile infested rivers. It is understood several people have been attacked and killed by crocodiles in Runde River in the past few years.