TWO young boys are fighting for their lives in hospital after they were attacked by a crocodile in Tshitavhadulu River in Tshakhuma Tshitavhadulu, Limpopo on Thursday, 4 January.
It is alleged that Mokiti Mushiana (9) and Rofhiwa Mudau (12) were swimming after fetching water when they were attacked.
On Sunday 7 January, residents of Tshakhuma Tshitavhadulu held a problem-solving meeting in the aftermath of the boys' attack. The sombre gathering aimed to discuss the devastating incident and come up with strategies to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Mokiti, originally from Tzaneen, had visited his grandmother, Tshimangadzo Mashiana, during the festive season.
Gogo Tshimangadzo told Daily Sun that the boys had gone to quench their thirst after she gave them money to buy cold drink.
"They went and came back, but it was frozen, so they left it to defrost. I didn't see how they left for the river. After some time, I just heard his little brother shout that his brother and neighbour are being eaten by a crocodile," she said.
Neighbour, Humbulani Mukwevho, described the scene at the river, where he, along with Mokiti's other grandmother, Masindi Murathi, fought to rescue the boys from the jaws of the crocodile.
"Gogo Masindi was the one giving me the whereabouts of the other boy. The fight took more than 10 minutes and I took a log and stabbed the crocodile several times until it left the boy.
“I then took both boys and drove them to the hospital. Mokiti, who is in critical condition, is admitted at Tshilidzini Hospital and Rofhiwa is in stable condition at Mankweng Hospital," he said.
ALSO READ | River baptism takes bloody turn!
Rofhiwa's father, Shadrack Sithole said despite his son being in better condition than his critically injured friend, both boys are in pain.
"I cannot explain what am feeling and since it happened, my son told me that the crocodile removed the outer skin of his leg as it was attacking both of them," he said.
Fhatuwani Raphulu, chairman of Tshakhuma Sanco, expressed concern about the recurring danger, noting that two other children were killed by a crocodile two years ago due to water shortages.
“For now, we are hoping that the Vhembe District Municipality (VDM) supplies us with a temporary solution, which is providing water tankers," he said.
David Muavha, headman assistant, confirmed that the case was reported, expressing deep concern for the safety of their children.
Deputy chairman of Tshakhuma Sanco, Osliy Nyamande, outlined their intention to approach the relevant departments and follow due processes.
"We want them to conduct a feasibility study to determine if a proper fence can be installed to prevent the movement of crocodiles into households.
"Two years ago, a hippopotamus was found roaming along the river banks. We also urge the Department of Nature Reserve to retrieve all the crocodiles in the river," he said.
Joel Mulaudzi, Sanco secretary, stated that they have several boreholes that are not yet operational.
“We hope that VDM can speed up the process to complete them before many people are attacked by crocodiles,” he said.
