A 50-year-old man of Sedie ward in Maun escaped death by a whisker after a hippo bit and spat him out of the river when they went fishing at Boro River last Friday.
Confirming the incident, Acting Maun station Commander Tabengwa Magwama revealed that the man was in company of two other men when a hippo attacked them and hit their boat, causing it to overturn.
“The three men went fishing on the fateful day. One man was alone in his boat while the injured man was riding with his colleague. As they were paddling their canoes, they encountered a hippo which hit the boat and grabbed him by his arm and bit it before spitting him out, resulting in multiple fractures” revealed Magwama.
The two other men managed to escape unscathed while the injured man was rushed to Letsholathebe Memorial hospital where he was later referred to Nyangabwe Referral hospital where he is currently recuperating.
Magwama has cautioned the public of the danger of aquatic animals and further pleaded with residents of Maun to be careful when using canoes and boats to cross the river.
“The river has very dangerous animals, people should be aware of the danger posed by these animals and take care of themselves “pleaded Magwama.