Gibson Mhaka
Binga: A fishing expedition ended tragically for a Binga man when he died in a blood-soaked battle with a crocodile after it mercilessly attacked him on his privates, hand and leg.

Jack Mutale (34) from Mundabala village under Chief Saba who later died at Binga hospital from the injuries he sustained on his groin, left hand and leg was attacked on Sunday morning at Simatelele Fishing Camp.

Matabeleland North police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Kiglon Nkala confirmed the incident and said investigations were in progress.

According to a witness Collen Mwembe on the fateful day they left home in the morning together with Mutale for a fishing expedition at Simatelele Fishing Camp.

 “What happened is that on the fateful day we woke up around 5am going to Simatelele Fishing Camp to check on our nets which we had left the previous day. As he was checking on his fishing net, he found a crocodile trapped and when he tried to draw back the crocodile quickly broke out and viciously charged at him.

“He screamed for help and when I rushed to the scene to see what was happening I found him battling with a crocodile. We later rescued him with other fishermen but he had already suffered severe bites on his left hand, leg and privates. As he was writhing in pain we took him to the hospital where he died the following day,” said Mwembe.

Mwembe said Mutale left behind a wife and two sons.

Crocodile attacks are rife in Binga where most villagers survive on fishing in the Zambezi River.