Man escapes Africa's deadliest animal

The unnamed man escaped unhurt after he ran for cover in a forest.

The incident was the second in a space of a week and it occurred at Mzaceni last week Friday.

The incident was preceded by a fatal attack last week Sunday, whereby a 60-year-old herdsman was mangled to death by what is described as one of Africa’s deadliest animals.

The incident occurred at Nyonyane Sisa Ranch in the Hhohho region. Sipho Shongwe of Bulunga had been employed at the ranch for 20 years. The hippos are believed to be coming from Nkomazi River.

Inspector Khulani Mamba, Police Deputy PRO, said the recent hippo attack occured in Mzaceni.

The man met the hippo in the early morning hours.

He said the animal immediately charged at him.

"The resident was from Mzaceni on his way to a place called Mobeni, where sugar cane is grown. On meeting the animal, he ran as fast as he could to a nearby forest, which proved to be the right move," explained Mamba.

He stated that according to experts, running in a zigzag manner slows down the hippo because its massive size disables it from making quick turns. Furthermore, he said hiding could save a person who was under attack.

He warned that people residing in Nyonyane, Maguga, Zandondo, Madlangempisi, Gucuka and Mzaceni needed to be vigilant when travelling in the areas.

Meanwhile, Hlane Royal National Park’s Head Game Ranger George Mbatha, when called on Friday, said they received the report about the latest hippo attack and would investigate the matter.

"I can’t be sure if it is the one that attacked and killed a person last Sunday, but we will look into the matter," he said.

Earlier in the week Mbatha said the killer hippo was removed from Nyonyane Dam and taken to Nkomazi River where over 30 hippos reside.

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