BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI
A Binga fisherman, who was seriously injured after he was attacked by a crocodile after evading charging elephants last week, had his left leg and arm amputated as he recovers from the nightmare.
Winders Sianene from Saba village was amputated at Mpilo Central Hospital on Friday after doctors at Mpilo Central Hospital concluded that it was the way to treat his injuries.
Sianene jumped into Mlibizi River to escape a herd of elephants that had encircled him, only to be attacked by the crocodile that was lurking in the water.
Charles Muzamba, the councillor for Saba ward 13, said Sianene was still admitted at the hospital, but was recovering well.
“The doctors had no choice because the crocodile had crushed the bones on his left leg and her left arms close to the shoulder,” Muzamba said.
“What is positive is that since they amputated him, he is now able to sit from the bed on his own and has begun taking food, although he is still unwell.”
Muzamba said Sianene was rescued by other fishermen, who fought off the crocodile.
Muzamba appealed for financial assistance after revealing that Sianene’s family cannot afford to take care of his medical bills.
“He lives with his mother, who is old and is also raising three minor children and his father is late,” he said.
“The family is not well up. So we would like to appeal to anyone who can assist to reach out to them.”
Muzamba said Mlibizi River is known for human-wildlife conflict and people get trapped when elephants venture into the area because on the other side there is a big mountain.
He said the mountain was difficult to climb when trying to escape from dangerous wild animals and that is why Sianene opted to seek refuge in the river.
Graphic pictures showing the extent of Sianene’s injuries have been circulating on social media.
Muzamba said earlier this week, a Forestry Commission employee was attacked by a crocodile on the same river and was still battling for his life.