Three people were killed by crocodiles while fishing at Lake Kariba this past weekend, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has confirmed.
In the first incident which occurred on Saturday, police said that Shameton Sibanda was dragged from a fishing boat into the water by a crocodile and his remains were retrieved the following day.
The second victim, George Mawandiwa (38), who was part of a search party seeking to locate Sibanda, was also dragged by a crocodile into the water and killed on Saturday.
The third victim identified by the police as Bayton Chikomo (29), was attacked by a crocodile while casting nets using a dingy boat in Lake Kariba on Sunday.
Below is a statement issued by ZRP Senior Staff Officer (Press and Public Relations), Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi this Tuesday:
The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms the death of three people who were attacked by crocodiles while fishing at Chinhandowa, Gatche Gatche fishing Camp, Lake Kariba on 18th and 19th November 2023.
The victims have been identified by their next of kin as listed:
- Shameton Sibanda (35) a male adult of Lanlolly Village, Magunje
- George Mawandiwa (38) a male adult of Mahombekombe, Kariba
- Bayton Chikomo (29) a male adult of Kaponda Village, Magunje.
In the first incident which occurred on 18th November 2023, Shameton Sibanda was dragged into water by a crocodile while fishing using a dingy boat in Lake Kariba.
Subsequently, a search party comprising George Mawandiwa and other fishermen was instituted. During the search, a crocodile emerged and dragged George Mawandiwa into the water. The search team later managed to retrieve the body of George Mawandiwa.
On 19th November 2023, the search team retrieved the body of Shamerton Sibanda. The bodies of the victims were taken to Kariba District Hospital for post-mortem.
In the second incident which occurred on 19th November 2023, Bayton Chikomo was attacked by a crocodile while casting nets using a dingy boat in Lake Kariba.
The remains of the victim were retrieved from the annals of a crocodile after it was shot dead by the search party. The body parts were taken to Kariba District Hospital mortuary for post-mortem.
The Police urges members of the public to be safety conscious in order to safeguard their lives during fishing expeditions especially when using dingy boats.
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zero · 1 year ago
Zimbabwean men can now pay roora/lobola only if they want to do so as a bride price is now a moral decision rather than a legal requirement under the New Marriages Act.
This was said by the director of the Law Development Commission (LDC), Netsai Zvakasikwa, during a recent interactive public legal awareness meeting aimed at clarifying the main provisions of the recently enacted Act, in Masvingo Province.
Zvakasikwa said that although the Government acknowledges moral values and cultural customs surrounding marriages, the payment of bride price is no longer obligatory. The Chronicle quoted Zvakasikwa as saying:
Chiefs have expressed disapproval of the Civil Marriages Act provision stating that “roora” consideration is no longer a requirement.
However, as indigenous Zimbabweans, we are attempting to make it clear that we did not create the civil marriage system; rather, we inherited it.
Some traditional leaders believe that the changes to marriage laws are a threat to Zimbabwe’s prevalent marriage culture where the payment of bride price is key.
Zvakasikwa said people should continue adhering to their traditional marriage practices. She said:
As a result, we are continuing the civil marriage tradition, much as our former colonisers did, though our values and customs still emanate from Zimbabwe.
We are not advocating that you ignore the required “roora” payment in order to comply with the Act.
Though the Act’s provisions stipulate that it is no longer required, do it because it is part of our culture.
LDC deputy chair, Rex Shana said soon, villagers will no longer need to travel to cities to solemnise marriages as traditional leaders will be designated to officiate customary marriages. He said:
Chiefs will soon be designated to officiate customary marriages within their respective jurisdictions following the new requirements.
According to the recently passed statute, chiefs are awaiting induction. We are not abolishing their customs; however, the Act has introduced new obligations, such as verifying that the couple getting married is at least eighteen years old and that they are unrelated in any way, meaning that a brother cannot wed a sister or a cousin. Cousins by birth cannot get married.
The LDC is conducting nationwide legal awareness meetings on the Marriages Act [Chapter 5:17] enlightening communities about the new law and its applicability to them.
LDC is responsible for conducting research, making recommendations, and providing legal advice to the government and other stakeholders on matters related to law and justice.
More: Pindula News
