Saved from JAWS of death
A CROCODILE attack on a Zimbabwean national over the weekend left him fighting for his life in the Pietersburg Provincial Hospital's intensive care unit after his friend managed to rescue him from the crocodile's jaws.
POLOKWANE – A CROCODILE attack on a Zimbabwean national over the weekend left him fighting for his life in the Pietersburg Provincial Hospital’s intensive care unit after his friend managed to rescue him from the crocodile’s jaws.
The incident took place near Sekororo close to Tzaneen on the banks of the Lepelle river on Sunday.
Lemogang Molobela said he and Chaiphus Chauke had been at a local tavern with some other friends in Maruleng village earlier. “It was a normal Saturday evening socialising with friends and family,” he added.
“Later we decided to leave and go home. To get to one of the villages, we had to cross the overflowing Lepelle river, which separates The Oaks village and Finale 2 village. One of our friends made it safely across the river.
“Suddenly I heard Chauke screaming for help. A crocodile had grabbed him by the legs; he was fighting and sinking under the water. I jumped into the river to get to him. I tried to pull him away from the crocodile but the crocodile was pulling from the other side. I realised my friend would be ripped apart and I jumped onto the crocodile’s tail, pushing and shoving so that it could open its jaws.
“Eventually the crocodile opened its mouth, releasing Chauke’s legs and I carried him to the bank of the river. The crocodile followed us but this time I hit it with a huge rock that was on the bank of the river and it disappeared back into the water,” Molobela recounted.
He said he carried his friend about four kilometres to the main road and was able to contact emergency medical services. “They responded very promptly,” he said.
Speaking during a telephonic interview from his hospital bed earlier this week, Chauke said he was grateful towards Molobela. He thanked God that he had survived the ordeal.
“I know that when Jesus says yes, nobody can say no. I believe I have been given a second chance at life again and I am going to make the most of it.”
Provincial police spokesperson, Col Ronél Otto, warned people to be cautious when crossing bodies of water, especially during the rainy season. “Rather cross somewhere that is safe, such as a bridge or stepping stones,” she said.
