Omusati governor Erginus Endjala has warned people who fish at Etaka Dam to exercise extreme caution due to the presence of crocodiles in the water.

His warning follows an incident in which a man was attacked by a crocodile at Epalela in the region on Saturday morning, despite prior warnings from the police to stay away from the ravenous reptile.

Endjala emphasised that crocodiles are frequently spotted in the dam and may occasionally leave the water in search of food, posing a serious danger to people in the area.

“We must remain vigilant, act as our own protectors and report such incidents to authorities immediately,” he advised.

Onesi constituency councillor Festus Petrus confirmed the attack. 

He said the crocodile was first spotted crossing a road near Etaka Dam in the morning, where it was hit by a taxi. 

However, despite the impact, the reptile remained alive.

Later, as police officers and local leaders arrived at the scene, they warned people to keep their distance from the reptile. 

However, some individuals ignored the warnings and continued provoking the reptile – pulling its tail and attempting to sit on its back.

“The victim, along with others, followed the crocodile as it moved into shallow water. He was specifically warned not to approach it, but he ignored the advice. In an instant, the crocodile clamped his arm in its jaws,” Petrus recounted.

The injured man was rushed to the Outapi Hospital for medical treatment, while authorities later put down the crocodile.

This was the third crocodile to be captured from Etaka this year.

– vkaapanda@nepc.com.na