By Patience Gondo
A 21-year-old man from Beitbridge is one of the few who met, fought and won a life and death battle against a crocodile.
Philemon Mashavi is fortunate to be alive after his harrowing encounter during his fisnhing expedition that turned nightmarish.
He has lived to tell his story that unfolded while fishing at Salani Dam in Zhove on Wednesday morning.
Mashavi, a worker at Tsepang Farm, was attacked around 11 AM on October 30 when he entered the dam to catch fish after rounding up cattle.
Before he even cast his line, a crocodile emerged and clamped onto his left leg, dragging him into the deep waters.
What followed was a dare-devil tussle which the reptile may also be reciting to its kin in their underwater way.
“I just told myself my life is over, I’m now dead,” Mashavi said in an interview with Ziyah News Network.
The crocodile ravaged his leg from the thigh down to the toes, tearing through flesh as it pulled him deeper.
Mashavi fought desperately for his life, crying for help as he struggled to free himself.
“I tried to pull away, but it kept tightening its grip,” he said.
“Then I touched its nose or eyes, I’m no longer sure. That’s when it started biting me more and more until it finally let go.”
Then he had exerted so much force on the part he was holding.
Wild animals do not want to be injured, as it makes them vulnerable to other apredators.
Bleeding and exhausted, Mashavi managed to swim out of the dam and called for help.
A passerby assisted him and contacted other villagers, who phoned his boss, Tsepang, to arrange for immediate evacuation to Mazunga Clinic.
Unfortunately, there was no medication available at the clinic, leading to his transfer to Beitbridge District Hospital, where he is currently receiving treatment.
“My boss did everything for me. He paid for transport, supported me emotionally and financially,” Mashavi said thankfully during the bedside interview.
“I’m very thankful to him for taking care of me.”
Mashavi sustained deep wounds on his left leg and swelling in his right leg joint, leaving him unable to walk.
“I’m in pain. I can’t even step down or turn when sleeping,” he said.
“Last night I couldn’t sleep at all, but during the day it’s a bit better.”
Despite his injuries, Mashavi is grateful to be alive.
“I thank God for saving me,” he said. “I thought it was over for me.”
The attack has raised concerns among villagers who rely on Salani Dam for fishing, bathing, and watering livestock.
Locals report that crocodile sightings have become increasingly common in the area, posing a threat to residents and their animals.
A similar incident occurred last year when another man was also mauled by a crocodile in the same dam, but he survived.
Recently President Mnangagwa rewarded two primary school chidren who rescued their mother from a crocodile attack in Mashonaland Central.
About six years ago a small boy fought a similar battle against a crocodile and won after poking its nose with his fingers.