By Christopher Miti
A 12-year-old boy has died, while a two-year-old girl is battling for her life at Lumezi District Hospital after they were attacked by hyenas in separate incidents in Chief ZUMWANDA’s area.
Lumezi and Lundazi districts have recently recorded an increase in human-wildlife conflicts, with the animals believed to be straying from Kasungu National Park in Malawi.
In the latest incident, ELIAS NYIRENDA of Chimutiku Village was attacked by a hyena around 19:00 hours yesterday while returning from Chisosa area, where he had gone to watch football with his brother.
Eastern Province Police Commanding Officer ROBERTSON MWEEMBA says the victim’s brother shouted for help, prompting nearby residents to chase away the hyena and rescue the boy.
Mr. MWEEMBA says the victim sustained a deep cut to the right side of the head and bruises on both legs.
He later died upon arrival at Ng’onga Rural Health Centre.In the second incident, two-year-old CHARITY SAKALA of Mikayele Village was attacked by a hyena around 18:00 hours yesterday.
Mr. MWEEMBA says the child was playing outside while her 15-year-old sister was preparing food, as their sick mother rested inside the house.
He says after grabbing the child, the hyena attempted to flee, but the mother managed to rescue her.
Mr. MWEEMBA says the girl suffered a deep cut to the right side of the head and was later rushed to Lumezi District Hospital, where she remains admitted in an unstable condition.
ZNBC