By A Correspondent

A chilling tragedy unfolded in Chiredzi last week when a crocodile killed and devoured a man from Ward 7.

The victim, a member of the Mavhechwa family from Matihwa, near Chilonga, had gone fishing in the swollen Lunze River, which had been overwhelmed by recent heavy rains.

According to a witness who was fishing alongside the victim, the horror unfolded in front of his eyes.

“I watched in disbelief as the crocodile suddenly emerged from the water and seized him. It happened so fast,” the man recalled, visibly shaken by the traumatic experience.

Following the attack, a search operation was launched along the Mpfhuti stream, which flows into the Lunze River.

Residents discovered part of the victim’s body outside the mighty river .

“It was a scene of utter devastation. His half-body was floating in the water, and the crocodile was still there,” one of the searchers said, struggling to hold back tears.

The tragic incident has left the Chiredzi South community reeling. Local residents are in shock and mourning. “We’ve lost a neighbor, a family member, and a friend. It’s hard to believe something so horrifying happened here,” said a grieving resident from the area. “The crocodile has taken away a life, and now we live in fear.”

Chiredzi residents have expressed their concern over the increasing danger posed by crocodiles in the region, especially in the wake of the floods that have swollen the rivers.

Many are calling for more measures to protect people who depend on the rivers for fishing. “Something must be done to prevent further tragedies like this. It’s heartbreaking to lose someone like this,” another local resident lamented.

The community remains in mourning, and the tragedy serves as a grim reminder of the dangers that can lurk in the Chiredzi waters.