Two women from Shankara village in the Ndongalinena Constituency, Kavango East, were seriously injured on Tuesday afternoon after being attacked by a hippopotamus while swimming in the river.
The injured women have been named as Salome Haingura (24) and Veronica Limbindo (42).
Regional crime investigations coordinator Bonifatius Kanyetu said the incident took place around 14h00. A group of about six women had gone to the riverside to do laundry, and after completing their chores, they decided to cool off in the water.
As they swam, a hippo suddenly appeared and charged at them. Although most of the women managed to escape, Haingura and Limbindo were caught by the animal.
Haingura suffered deep wounds to her legs and head, while Limbindo’s right leg was badly swollen. Both were first treated at Nyangana Hospital before being transferred to Rundu Intermediate Hospital, where they are still receiving care.
Kanyetu said the Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism has been alerted, particularly the human-wildlife conflict department, and police are investigating the matter.
Residents have been cautioned to take extra care around rivers, as hippos are known to be highly aggressive and dangerous.
Image for illustration purposes only.
