Honest Makanyire -A woman from Rutenga in Masvingo Province is recovering after surviving a frightening crocodile attack at the Mwenezi River on Saturday.

Fungayi Chikamwe Maburuse had been travelling from Beitbridge to Mwenezi with her two young children when she briefly stopped at the Mwenezi River Bridge along the Masvingo–Beitbridge Highway. The stop, meant as a short break, quickly turned into a life-threatening ordeal.

According to reports, Maburuse was attacked by a large crocodile while near the riverbank. The reptile dragged her into the water as her children cried out for help. In a desperate struggle to free herself, she fought back and managed to force the animal to loosen its grip.

The crocodile reportedly attacked her again, but Maburuse continued to resist, using a stick to defend herself. She eventually managed to escape from the river before other crocodiles in the area could pose further danger.

She sustained multiple serious injuries and is currently receiving treatment at NORAZ Surgical Clinic in Masvingo. Medical personnel are attending to her wounds, and she is said to require extensive surgical care.

Maburuse is now appealing for financial assistance to cover her medical expenses, which are nearing US$2,000 due to the specialised treatment she has received.

The incident has once again highlighted the dangers posed by crocodiles in Zimbabwe’s rivers, particularly during the rainy season when water levels are high and wildlife activity increases.