News24
10 Oct 2019, 23:40 GMT+10
A 63-year-old woman has died after being attacked by a hippo in Malamulele Vhembe District, Limpopo.
In a statement, Limpopo Economic Development, Environment and Tourism MEC Thabo Mokone said the attack took place on Wednesday night after residents spotted the hippo passing by with its offspring.
"Due to the scarcity of such incidents, the residents tailed the animal fuelled by curiosity and ignorance of the danger attached to such action," Mokone said.
While the exact circumstances of the incident is unclear, he added the animal was probably trying to protect its young.
"Assuming the hippo felt provoked, threatened and overwhelmed by the animalistic need to protect its young, it attacked."
While residents were able to "swiftly escape", Mokone said, the woman was not so lucky.
A team of field rangers have been dispatched to track down the hippos and escort them to a wildlife friendly environment.
"Limpopo continues to take great pride of its environment and all the animals dwelling within it.
"As a province bordering three countries and occupying the greatest territory for wildlife, we will time and again notice such wildlife intrusion in residential areas," Mokone said.
He urged residents to exercise caution if they spotted wild animals.
"Although such incidences are unfamiliar to residents, the department urges them to be vigilant and refrain from approaching wild animals.
"The authorities should be informed whenever a wild animal is spotted," Mokone said.
Get a daily dose of International Travel News news through our daily email, its complimentary and keeps you fully up to date with world and business news as well.
Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to International Travel News.
More InformationSAN FRANCISCO, California: Nvidia, the Silicon Valley chipmaker at the heart of the artificial intelligence boom, this week briefly...
REDMOND, Washington: Artificial intelligence is transforming Microsoft's bottom line. The company saved over US$500 million last year...
WASHINGTON, D.C.: A federal rule designed to make it easier for Americans to cancel subscriptions has been blocked by a U.S. appeals...
BASTROP, Texas: In a surprising turn at Elon Musk's X platform, CEO Linda Yaccarino announced she is stepping down, just months after...
NEW YORK CITY, New York: Former British prime minister Rishi Sunak will return to Goldman Sachs in an advisory role, the Wall Street...
LONDON, U.K.: Physically backed gold exchange-traded funds recorded their most significant semi-annual inflow since the first half...
WASHINGTON, D.C.: Travelers at U.S. airports will no longer need to remove their shoes during security screenings, Department of Homeland...
PARIS, France: A strike by French air traffic controllers demanding improved working conditions caused significant disruptions during...
(250712) -- TEWO, July 12, 2025 (Xinhua) -- An aerial drone photo taken on July 11, 2025 shows the scenery of Zhagana Village in Tewo...
Ujjain (Madhya Pradesh) [India], July 12 (ANI): Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav took a holy dip in the Shipra river at Narsingh...
New Delhi [India], July 12 (ANI): Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Friday distributed compensation cheques to people who lost their...
NANCHANG, July 12 (Xinhua) -- In China, many historic sites continue to captivate visitors thanks to their ties to celebrated literary...