THE search for Elliot Matibila, a spear-fisher, who vanished on December 31 last year while carrying out his duties on Zambezi River, is still ongoing.
Matibila, a resident of Nyamhunga in Kariba, left his home to do his duties but failed to return, prompting a massive search by the community and the local authority.
The search began after Matibila’s mobile phone and shirt were found on the shores of the lake, implying he might have dived into the Zambezi River.
Kariba mayor Ralph Maoneyi has joined the search, which has been ongoing for several days.
A team combed the undulating terrain of Mafridge and the Salisbury areas of the Lower Zambezi, making inquiries among Zambian communities for any information that may lead to Matibila’s whereabouts.
Testimonies of Zambian fishermen have compounded the mystery surrounding Matibila’s disappearance.
Three young men reported seeing a floating object that was being savagely attacked by crocodiles.
“We rushed to investigate because we are always vigilant about human fatalities in these waters,” said one Zambian fisherman, who crossed over to Zimbabwe to share what he knew.
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Another fisherman reported a similar incident but said as he approached the object, a crocodile submerged it, thwarting his efforts.
The search party is determined to continue its efforts to locate Matibila, with Maoneyi declaring that they will not give up until he is found.
“We are working closely with the community and local authorities to ensure that every effort is made to locate him.
“We will not give up until we find Matibila,” Maoneyi said.
