19/12/2025
PRESS STATEMENT
CROCODILE ATTACK (HUMAN–ANIMAL CONFLICT)
December 18, 2025 – Siavonga
On December 18, 2025 at 14:00 hours, Siavonga Police Station recorded a report of a crocodile attack (human–animal conflict) from Ms. Maureen Mweemba, aged 57, of Namoomba area, Siavonga District, also of Ntanisha Village, Chief Nkomesha, Chongwe District. She reported that her nephew, Mr. John Mwakalombe, aged 18, of the same address, was attacked and killed by a crocodile while paddling a dugout canoe on the waters of the Lower Zambezi River.
The incident is reported to have occurred between 14:00 hours on December 17, 2025 and 10:00 hours on December 18, 2025 on the Lower Zambezi River in Siavonga District.
Brief facts of the matter are that on December 17, 2025 at about 14:00 hours, the deceased, employed as a canoe transporter, departed Namoomba area for Sobeki to collect passengers. On December 18, 2025 at about 09:00 hours, Ms. Sofia Kalusa, aged 42, of Kanyama Compound, Lusaka District, reported that she and three others had boarded the canoe. Shortly after departure, while paddling, Mr. Mwakalombe was attacked by a crocodile and dragged into deep waters.
A search team comprising officers from the Department of National Park and Wildlife (DNPW) and members of the public undertook a recovery operation. The body was later retrieved and taken to Siavonga Police Station for inspection. Medical examination revealed a fractured right hand and multiple crocodile bite injuries to the chest. No foul play is suspected. The body has been deposited in Siavonga District Hospital Mortuary awaiting burial.
Issued by:
Moono Namalongo
Commanding Officer
Southern Province