RUNDU – A 28-year-old Angolan national was attacked by a hippopotamus at Kapako village in the Kavango East on Monday last week. 

Kapako is situated next to the Okavango River near the Shadikongoro government irrigation project. 

“It’s alleged that Jovo Mutero (28) from Katunda village in Angola was crossing back to Angola from Namibia in a canoe, and while he was paddling, the hippo hit the canoe, causing it to capsize, before the animal attacked him,” said Kavango East police deputy commissioner Bonifatius Kanyetu, who also confirmed the incident to New Era.

Mutero was rescued by people on the Angolan side. 

He was later taken to the Thipanana outpost, which is on the Namibian side, and was then transported to Andara Hospital in the Mukwe constituency. 

“The victim sustained injuries on both legs, but is in a stable condition,” Kanyetu said on Tuesday last week. 

-jmuyamba@nepc.com.na