A tragic incident occurred early Saturday morning at the Protea Hotel in Katima Mulilo, Zambezi Region, where a security guard lost his life after being attacked by a hippo during his patrol.
According to police reports, the fatal encounter happened between 05:00 and 06:00. The 51-year-old guard, identified as Chawila Muñalisa Lukonga, had reportedly left the guardroom to conduct routine checks within the hotel premises when the attack occurred.
His colleague later discovered his body around 06:00 while switching off the hotel lights. The deceased sustained serious injuries to the stomach, head, and legs, consistent with a wild animal attack. Investigators also found hippo tracks at the scene, confirming the suspected cause of death.
An inquest docket has been opened as police continue with further investigations. Lukonga’s next of kin have been notified.
