By Ndinatsei Mavodza
MASVINGO – A routine fishing trip ended in tragedy for James Rushwaya (44) of Section 7 in Hippo Valley, Chiredzi, after he died in a suspected crocodile attack at Manhuwe river on February 4, 2026.
Acting Masvingo Provincial Police Spokesperson Deputy Provincial Police Spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Masauso Patinyu confirmed the incident and said investigations are ongoing.
“We confirm the death of Rushwaya from Hippo Valley in Chiredzi who died after he had gone for a fishing trip at Manhuwe Village. His body was discovered with missing body parts. Investigations are still ongoing,” said Ass Insp Patinyu.
Assistant Inspector Patinyu urged members of the public to avoid fishing or working in crocodile-infested rivers, warning that such areas remain extremely dangerous.
“We urge all members of the public to avoid entering or fishing in crocodile-infested rivers and water bodies. These animals are dangerous, especially during the rainy season when water levels rise. Always be alert and keep a safe distance from riverbanks,” he said.
Circumstances are that Rushwaya left his home on the day in question at around 9 AM intending to fish using casting nets.
Rushwaya returned home that day, prompting concern from his friends and family who began searching for him.
The search continued into the following day, February 5, but Rushwaya was still not found.
On February 6, villagers teamed up and went to the river after suspecting that he may have been attacked by a crocodile.
During the search, villagers discovered Rushwaya’s clothes on the riverbank.
About 200 metres from where the clothes were found, they spotted his body floating in the river and retrieved it.
Police attended the scene and observed that the body had missing body parts, including the right leg and private parts, which are consistent with injuries caused by a crocodile attack.
Rushwaya’s body was taken to Chiredzi Hospital Mortuary for post-mortem examination.
Crocodile attacks across the country tend to rise during the rainy season when higher water levels expand habitats and increase human activity on rivers and lakes, such as fishing and crossing waterways.
Wildlife authorities have reported numerous human-crocodile conflict cases in recent seasons, with several fatalities and injuries recorded, particularly around water bodies where people and crocodiles share space.
