21 Feb 2025

A 50-year-old man was attacked and killed by a hippo in the bush along the Nxaraga River banks while searching for his goats on Monday.

Maun station commander, Superintendent Jospeh Lepodise confirmed the incident to BOPA noting that it happened at a cattle-post in the outskirts of Nxaraga. He said the deceased was reported to be looking for his goats when he met an aggressive hippo which attacked and left him with serious injuries around his waist.

Superintendent Lepodise said family members alerted the police and they hurried to the scene where upon arrival they found the man in a helpless state. He said they took him to a local clinic and later to Letsholathebe Memorial Hospital where he was certified dead upon arrival.

Superintendent Lepodise has appealed to members of the community to stay vigilant as wild animals were roaming around in search of water as some water sources had been filled up following the recent rains.

Acting District Wildlife Coordinator, Mr Thebe Horatius said the deceased originated from Namanyane area near Nxaraga. He said they had met with the man’s family and preparations for burial were ongoing.

“On such incidents of death, the government assists the family of the deceased with P70 000 to cover for funeral costs and loss of income from the deceased,” he added.

Meanwhile, Mr Horatius said incidents of human-wildlife conflict were worrisome in his jurisdiction stating that last year they recorded four cases, out of which one person died while three sustained serious injuries. He urged members of the community to exercise caution as wild animals would be roaming due to abundant water in many water sources.

Members of the community were also advised to refrain from disturbing the wild animals when they come upon them since they could be dangerous if provoked. He advised residents to report any sighting of wildlife to the relevant authorities as they were in a better position to deal with the animals. ENDS