A BOY (10) from Martinique Village in Lephalale, Limpopo was attacked by a crocodile and disappeared in the Phalala River.
The incident happened on Tuesday night, 6 February.
A two-day search for the boy was conducted, but his body hasn't been found. It's reported that the boy went missing two hours after an 18-year-old teenager was attacked by a crocodile in the same river while swimming.
A witness told Daily Sun the first victim managed to free himself and was admitted to a local hospital.
“It’s shocking because the second boy was attacked after he and his friends came to bath after football practise before they went home,” said the witness.
After the incident, police were summoned to the scene.
Limpopo police spokesman Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the other boys alleged that they saw a crocodile snatch the victim.
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“They then ran to the village and informed the elders and community members were found gathered at Phalala River. Members of the provincial search and rescue unit were activated to attend the scene,” said Ledwaba.
According to Ledwaba, while the team was busy searching, a number of crocodiles were seen in the river and surprisingly, some of the residents were crossing the river.
“In the process, they had to apply their advanced techniques to ensure the crocodiles move in order for them to proceed with the search. Unfortunately, the body of the boy was not found, but the search operation is still ongoing,” said Ledwaba.
Acting Limpopo police commissioner Major General Jan Scheepers said: “Parents, please teach children about the dangers of swimming in rivers. We also discourage any other unsafe activities performed in the rivers because, in most cases, our communities become the victims of aquatic animals.”
Daily Sun attempted to contact the family of the victim multiple times, but was unsuccessful.
