A 10-year-old pupil of Manchanhwa Lakeshore Primary School in Siavonga has died after being attacked by a crocodile in Lake Kariba.
Southern Province Police Commanding Officer Moono Namalongo said the deceased, identified as Vinock Kabbaya, a Grade Four pupil, went to bath in the lake early in the morning while preparing for school.
Mr Namalongo stated that while bathing, the boy was attacked by a crocodile which dragged him into deeper water.
He said members of the public immediately launched a search, and after about three hours, the body was recovered approximately 200 metres into the lake.
Upon retrieval, the body was found with injuries consistent with a crocodile attack, including bite wounds to the abdomen, left leg and right hand.
Mr Namalongo has urged the public to avoid bathing, swimming or drawing water from water bodies known to be inhabited by crocodiles.
He further appealed to parents and guardians to ensure children do not go near such areas unsupervised and encouraged communities to use safer alternative water sources where possible.
