Tragedy In Hwange As Crocodile Kills Toddler

By A Correspondent – A heartbreaking incident has shaken the Matetsi area in Hwange District after a toddler was fatally attacked by a crocodile on Tuesday evening.

The three-year-old girl was reportedly playing near the Matetsi River Bridge along the busy Bulawayo–Victoria Falls Highway when the reptile struck. The area lies within Matabeleland North Province.

According to authorities, the child had been at the riverbank with her five-year-old brother while their mother, Ms Tariro Tsondzowore, was fishing nearby. Police and wildlife officials said the mother had momentarily moved away from the children when the crocodile emerged from the water and seized the young girl.

Witnesses at the scene reportedly tried to drive the animal back into the river, but their efforts failed as the crocodile dragged the child away.

The victim, who came from Masikili Village under Chief Shana in Hwange District, was taken into the river before assistance could reach her.


Rangers from the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Authority (ZimParks) attended the scene and shot a crocodile suspected to be linked to the attack.Zimbabwean legal consulting

Authorities confirmed that partial human remains have been recovered, with search efforts still underway.

The tragic death has reignited concerns over escalating human-wildlife conflict in Zimbabwe, particularly in communities situated close to rivers and wildlife habitats.

Local officials have since appealed to residents to be vigilant when near water bodies, warning of the persistent threat posed by crocodiles and other wild animals.