A 52 year old man of Nkuku Village in Mambwe District has died after being attacked by a crocodile while fleeing from a herd of elephants along the Luangwa River.
Police have identified the deceased as Dean Nyirenda. The incident occurred around 06:00 hours on Wednesday in the Kanwa area of Mambwe District, Eastern Province.
Eastern Province commanding officer Robertson Mweemba said Mr Nyirenda had been on a fishing expedition with two friends and the trio was returning to their campsite when they encountered a herd of elephants.
According to Mr Mweemba, the men attempted to escape by running in different directions in a bid to avoid the charging animals. In the confusion, Mr Nyirenda ran towards a nearby stream connected to the Luangwa River.
While in the stream, he was attacked by a crocodile which bit him on the right thigh.
Mr Mweemba explained that despite the sudden attack, Mr Nyirenda managed to fight back. He reportedly struck the crocodile with a stick he was carrying, forcing it to release him. Injured and bleeding heavily, he then dragged himself out of the water.
His two companions, who had witnessed the attack from a distance, rushed to assist him once it was safe to do so. They carried him back to the campsite and attempted to stop the bleeding.
However, despite their efforts, Mr Nyirenda later succumbed to his injuries.
Police officers, accompanied by officers from the Department of National Parks and Wildlife, visited the scene and inspected the body.
Mr Mweemba said officers observed deep bite marks on the right thigh. It is suspected that Mr Nyirenda died as a result of excessive loss of blood.
The incident highlights the dangers faced by communities living near wildlife areas, particularly along the Luangwa River where encounters with both elephants and crocodiles are not uncommon. Authorities have since urged members of the public to exercise caution when moving through wildlife habitats, especially in the early hours of the day.