Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife employee attacked and killed by a hippo. Image: Supplied.
Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife game ranger killed by hippo
An Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife employee who was on foot patrol was sadly killed by a hippo in Mkhuze Game Reserve.
Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife employee attacked and killed by a hippo. Image: Supplied.
An Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife employee has died after he was attacked by a hippo at the Mkhuze Game Reserve.
The incident reportedly happened on Sunday, 19 November.
EZEMVELO KZN WILDLIFE RANGER KILLED BY A HIPPO
In a statement, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife’s acting CEO Sihle Mkhize said Mthembu was patrolling with three colleagues, tracking footprints after reports of people putting snares in the area.
The game reserve rangers decided to split up in different directions.
Mkhize said it wasn’t long before one of the rangers heard a gunshot from where Mthembu had moved in.
When the colleague investigated, he saw a hippo attacking Mthembu and shot the hippo.
The 31-year-old was reportedly still alive when the hippo was shot and killed.
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EMPLOYEE MAULED TO DEATH BY LIONS
In August this year, the Dinokeng Game Reserve confirmed that one of its employees was mauled to death by lions.
The game reserve in Hammanskraal, north of Pretoria said the man was attacked and mauled to death by lions while trying to navigate the reserve on foot after dark.
Notably, walking within the Dinokeng Game Reserve is strictly prohibited at night or at anytime in accordance with regulations.
The employee was only discovered on Monday, 14 August when the fencing team from the reserve discovered what appeared to be human remains.
“The operations manager responded promptly, confirming the unfortunate loss of life. The South African Police Service (SAPS) was notified immediately and acted swiftly commencing an ongoing investigation,” the reserve said.
