RUNDU – A six-year-old boy survived an attack by a hippopotamus on Sunday and in the process suffered deep wounds when his legs were crushed by the giant animal in Kavango West.
The incident happened along the banks of the Okavango River at Siya village in the Kapako constituency. The terrifying attack has left the boy traumatised. “It is alleged the victim who has been identified as Jacob Kandjimi, a Namibian male of six years of age was attacked by a hippopotamus which bit him on his left leg and as a result he sustained serious injuries on his left thigh,” said the Kavango West police chief, Commissioner Josephat Abel.
According to the police, it was confirmed that at the time of the incident, the victim was swimming together with his elder brother. The minor boy was transported to Bunya clinic and due to the seriousness of the injury, he was later transferred to the Rundu Intermediate Hospital where he is currently receiving treatment. In a separate incident, still in Kavango West region, a 12-year-old boy’s life was cut short on Saturday after he was struck to death by lightning while on his way home from the river where he along with his peers spent the afternoon swimming. According to the police, the other children he was walking with, escaped unharmed. The incident occurred at Haisisira village at about 19h30 whilst the group was walking home in the rain. His remains were transported to Bunya pending an autopsy. His next of kin were informed.
jmuyamba@nepc.com.na