A routine crossing of the flooded Okavango River turned deadly two days before Botswana’s Independence Day when a 51-year-old woman was fatally attacked by a hippopotamus in the Etsha 6 area.
The tragedy occurred around 12:30 PM as the woman and her 56-year-old boyfriend attempted to wade through the deep, swollen river to reach their ploughing field on the opposite bank.
According to Acting Station Commander for Gumare Police Station, Jerry Sabata, the couple was navigating an area dense with thick reeds when the hippo launched its sudden attack.
The boyfriend recounted to police that, sensing imminent danger, he instinctively dove deeper into the water to evade the massive animal. As he swam frantically toward the shore, he heard the woman, who was directly behind him, scream.
In the chaos, he urged her to stop screaming but continued his desperate swim to safety.
“He tried calling her back but was met with silence, prompting him to rush for help,” Sabata said.
Police and community members arrived at the scene later that afternoon and found the woman’s lifeless body in the water, confirming their worst fears.
A post-mortem examination ruled out foul play, confirming that the 51-year-old died from injuries consistent with a hippopotamus attack.
Sabata urged residents to exercise extreme caution when crossing the river, especially during flood season, when high waters push large, territorial animals like hippos closer to shorelines and common crossing points.
“Many in this community rely on ploughing fields across the river, but during floods, they must avoid crossing due to the heightened risk of wildlife encounters,” Sabata advised.
He added, “The river’s long, thick reeds obscure visibility, making people vulnerable to attacks like this. It’s a dangerous river, and safety must come first. While we understand the need to tend to crops, lives are more precious.”
Hippos are among Africa’s most dangerous animals, particularly when they perceive a threat to their territory or young.
