Linda Ximba
Residents living around the Isimangaliso Wetland Park in Mtubatuba in northern KwaZulu-Natal have been warned against fishing at the St Lucia Dam after a hippo mauled a woman to death at the weekend.
It’s reported that Hlengiwe Kubheka, 43, had set up a camp with her boyfriend and while they were waiting for the fish to bite, a hippo pounced on them.
A source close to Kubheka said: “The boyfriend tried hard to fight it but was overpowered. He screamed for help but those who were nearby were scared to come near the scene.”
This is the second incident in two months. In June, a 59-year-old woman was also killed by a hippo while harvesting incema (juncus), which is used to make African grass mats.
The park’s centrepiece is the vast Lake St. Lucia, which is home to large numbers of hippos, crocodiles, pelicans and flamingos.
Induna Philangenkosi Mantengu lambasted villagers for ignoring warnings from the park authorities who often issue stern warnings about trespassing in the areas deemed dangerous.
“But despite all these efforts our people sneak in at night. They are sometimes forced to fish because of poverty,” he said..
“What is worrisome is that they even use self-made boats which are not strong. Only God knows what could happen should danger strike.”
The deceased’s sister, Thembisile Kubheka, said what angered the family is that her sister’s boyfriend didn’t inform them about the tragedy. They only heard about it a day later.
Bheki Manzini, Isimangaliso spokesperson, said the park has designated areas for fishing but they are faced with the challenge of people trespassing.
“We have visited the affected family alongside the Mtubatuba mayor,” said Manzini. “We have both committed ourselves to aid with burial costs.”
