Zambia: A 15 year old girl from Chishi Island in Chifunabuli District in Luapula Province has been attacked and killed by a crocodile.
Confirming the incident to the Media, Chishi Ward Councillor Kennedy Makumba identified the deceased as Martha Mwansa, a grade seven pupil at Katibi Primary School on the Island.
“I can confirm that a 15 year old girl in my ward identified as Martha Mwansa, a grade seven pupil at Katibi Primary School was on Sunday at around 14:00 hours attacked and killed by a crocodile,” he said.
Makumba stated that the girl was in the company of about five friends swimming in Lake Bangweulu when they noticed her absence and saw the crocodile lift her up and take her underwater.
Meanwhile, Chifunabuli District Disaster Management and Mitigation Officer Lawrence Jaliso said the search for the body is underway.
“The search for the body is underway and the Satellite Disaster Management Committee on the Island together with the Ward Councillor and Community Police have been put on alert to monitor any development with regards to the unfortunate incident,” he said.
Jaliso, however, noted that there is inadequate rescue equipment in the district as efforts to retrieve the body are being conducted by locals using canoes and no life jackets.
He said the family has asked for help with a coffin in the event that the body is retrieved.
Residents are in shock, and the family of the victim is still in shock and saying nothing. One of the neighbours of the victim said, “Sad news ever we got. we and the family are still in shock as it is surprisng news. However, the cases increased like this, but still, we all are not ready to accept this news, but we have to…. Really sad we recommend all to be safe.”