A 23-year-old man has died following a hippo attack in the Chobe River near Ngoma, while authorities also report two separate drowning incidents in the region.
A quiet afternoon on the Chobe River turned into a devastating tragedy when a 23-year-old man was killed in a violent hippo attack near Ngoma.
The incident took place on April 30, 2026, when Mukanwa Devilliers Simulya was fishing from a canoe in the Masikili area. According to reports from Misryoum, the aggressive encounter left the victim with a severe leg injury that prevented him from reaching the safety of the shore.
This incident highlights the unpredictable and often lethal dangers posed by wildlife in riverine environments, where human activities frequently intersect with the habitats of highly territorial animals.
Following the attack, search efforts were launched immediately, though it took two days for the recovery of the body. Law enforcement officials have confirmed that the victim’s family has been notified and that an investigation into the circumstances of the event is currently underway.
The region has faced a grim few days, as authorities are also managing two other fatal water-related incidents reported in the area. These additional cases serve as a sobering reminder of the constant risks associated with local water sources.
On May 3, 2026, a 12-year-old girl, Musheke Pumulo, drowned while swimming with friends in the same river vicinity. Shortly after that tragedy, another loss occurred in Onkani Village, where 21-year-old Tjiharo Kaveripura died after falling into a well while attempting to collect water.
These three deaths, occurring within a span of just a few days, have placed a heavy burden on the local community. Police are continuing their inquiries into each of these separate cases to ensure all facts are documented.
While these accidents involve different circumstances, ranging from wildlife conflicts to accidental drownings, they collectively underscore the urgent need for enhanced safety awareness near deep water and wildlife-prone zones.