This archive report was first published on 14 November 2019.
On November 14, 2019, a remarkable display of bravery was witnessed in Sinderela Village, Zimbabwe, where an 11-year-old girl, Rebecca Munkombwe, fought off a crocodile to save her nine-year-old friend, Latoya Muwani.
According to local media, Latoya was swimming in a stream when she was attacked by the reptile. Munkombwe, who was getting out of the stream, heard her friend's screams and jumped into the water to save her.
"We had just left the water when we heard Latoya screaming that something was biting her hand. Since I was the eldest among the other seven children, I felt the urge to save her. So, I jumped into the water and swam to where she was struggling to float," Munkombwe said.
With quick thinking and bravery, Munkombwe rode on top of the crocodile, gouging its eyes until it loosened its grip on Latoya. She then helped her friend out of the stream, where the other children pulled her to safety.
Latoya sustained mild injuries, but thanks to Munkombwe's bravery, she is recovering well at St. Patrick's Hospital. Her father, Mr. Fortune Muwani, described her survival as miraculous.
Local councilor Steve Chisose has expressed concern over the repeated crocodile attacks in the area, attributing it to a problem with the water supply. He has appealed to ZimParks to remove the reptiles before they cause serious harm or death.
Earlier this year, a 21-year-old man was attacked and killed by a crocodile while fishing at a disused pit, according to the Zimbabwe Sunday News.
