Crocodiles Fatally Attack Manyame River Residents

In a series of alarming incidents, crocodiles in the Manyame River have claimed the lives of four residents from the Hunyani and surrounding high-density suburbs near Chinhoyi town and Zvimba district. The relentless attacks have left the community in a state of fear and confusion, with some attributing the killings to dark forces, while others believe it to be the work of actual crocodiles.

The Manyame River, a perennial waterway, serves as a crucial source of raw water for Chinhoyi, drawing from either Lake Mazvikadei or Lake Manyame. The constant presence of water in the river provides a suitable habitat for crocodiles, and the expansion of urban development has increased the chances of human-wildlife encounters.

The lifeless bodies of the victims, discovered on the river’s banks in 2022, were identified as victims of crocodile attacks. However, a portion of the residents who hold beliefs in magic suspect supernatural forces to be responsible for the incidents. Despite accounts from some eyewitnesses who claim to have seen the attacking crocodiles, there remain others who maintain their belief in dark magic since they have not personally encountered the predators.

The unusual behavior of the crocodiles has raised questions within the community. Unlike their natural instincts, the predators have been observed attacking and killing humans without consuming their prey. This phenomenon has led to speculation among residents, including individuals like Mr. Abnoxious Bangira and Mr. Peter Kanyuchi, who suspect that the crocodiles are being utilized for black magic purposes.

Mr. Bangira, a long-term resident of the town, expressed his concern, stating, “These are crocodiles that are owned by people and are used for black magic purposes. How can we have crocodiles that attack, kill but not feast on their prey?” The presence of these crocodiles has not only disrupted recreational activities for the local youth but has also instilled fear among those who fetch water, especially for construction purposes.

Local resident Paddington James, who narrowly escaped a crocodile attack in January, firmly believes that a dark force is behind the predators’ aggressive behavior. James, who was fetching water at the time, recounted his near-death experience and called for action. “We are appealing to those responsible to gun down or drive away these animals. I shudder to think of the consequences if it had been an elderly person,” he said.

Similar to James, Ms. Jane Matesanwa of Brundish Corporate, situated adjacent to Hunyani suburb, fell victim to a crocodile attack while fetching water for resale. Although she managed to escape after attracting attention with her cries for help, the crocodile mysteriously vanished before anyone could intervene.

While community members have implemented safety measures when collecting water from the river, such as using diesel-powered water pumps, the lack of funds for fuel sometimes compels them to resort to manual methods, increasing the risk of encounters with the predators.

In response to the incidents, the Zimbabwe National Parks spokesperson, Mr. Tinashe Farawo, assured the public that they are collaborating with the community to identify and eliminate the crocodiles responsible for the attacks.