Search continues for fisherman dragged into Luvuvhu River by crocodile
Thompho Nemusungwa, a community member who assisted in searching for the man was also dragged into the river by a crocodile and his body later retrieved.
LIMPOPO – Family, friends, villagers and the police are still searching for a fisherman who was dragged into the Luvuvhu River in Tshifudi village by a crocodile on February 23.
Fhulufhuwani Munzhelele (24), also known as Tsembetsembe, is unemployed and would fish for an income. Tshifudi village community leader, Rudzani Tshipepele says residents from Tshaulu and Gaba villages are still hard at work searching for Tsembetsembe.
You might also want to read: Limpopo father snatched by crocodile while fishing
It was his usual daily routine to go fishing, Tshipepele explained.
“With his first net throw, Tsembetsembe was lucky and had a good catch, however with his second throw he had some trouble and accidentally tied the net around his hand. He then discovered that there was something in the water that exerted a lot of power. A struggle ensued, and a crocodile overpowered and dragged him into the water.”
According to Tshipepele, the friend he was fishing with went to inform nearby residents about the incident, who with the help of the police and rangers from the Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism, went to the river in search of Tsembetsembe.
He said they continued searching for him the following day, and that six community members led by Thilivhali Ndovhe, armed with sticks, decided to go into the river where Tsembetsembe was dragged in.
One of the six men, Thompho Nemusungwa also got dragged into the river by a crocodile. The others escaped unharmed. “Police divers were called to the scene and retrieved the lifeless body of Nemusungwa, but the search for the missing fisherman was still ongoing.”
A family member of Thompho, Milingoni Nemushungwa, said they appreciate the hard work of the community headed by the traditional leader, police divers and others.
“We are happy that we were able to find his body and we will be able to give him a dignified funeral. But we are also worried that the fisherman has not been found yet,” Nemushungwa said.
He said the 35-year-old Thompho will be buried at his home village of Tshifudi.
Limpopo police spokesperson, Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo said the Provincial Search and Rescue Police Unit, assisted by community members, managed to recover the body of the 35-year-old who is said to have drowned on February 24, while searching for the missing fisherman in Luvuvhu River in the Tshaulu policing area.
Acting Provincial Police Commissioner, Major General Jan Scheepers, has urged the public to be cautious when fishing in crocodile-infested rivers as it is very dangerious and could cost them their lives.
