By Rex Mphisa
A ZIMBABWE National Army serviceman on patrol on the banks of the Limpopo River was yesterday attacked and killed by a hippopotamus.
The serviceman, identified as Pelious Moyo from Tongwe, was pronounced dead on arrival at Beitbridge District Hospital. National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the death and said investigations were underway to establish the circumstances that lead to the incident.
“We confirm the unfortunate death of the member (of the ZNA) who was on patrol at the time of the attack. Police are investigating the circumstances,” he said.
Moyo was part of soldiers deployed at a checkpoint between Zimbabwe and South Africa. He is believed to have been attacked at dawn as the animal was headed to the river from grazing.
In the last four years, officials said at least seven people, including a 12-year-old, have been killed by hippos in the area.
