Cape Town – A woman who was allegedly trying to harvest incema grass (African grass mat) at iSimangaliso Wetland Park reportedly died after being attacked by hippos.
The 59-year-old woman was with two other people who escaped unharmed.
Reports said the incident occurred on Friday morning on the western shore of Lake St Lucia.
“These individuals were allegedly attempting to harvest incema /African grass mat (juncus) within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park without permission,” IOL quoted Isimangaliso’s spokesperson Bheki Manzini.
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The park was “surprised” when they heard of the incident as harvest was halted due to high water levels which attracted dangerous animals, the reprot said.
“iSimangaliso and Ezemvelo would like to express our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased as such loss of life is always deeply regrettable” the report quoted Manzimini as saying.
iSimangaliso Wetlandalso confirmed the death of the 59-year-old woman.
“According to the preliminary report three individuals, including an elderly female aged 59 years (who was fatally attacked by the hippo) allegedly went into the nearby wetland which is a habitat for dangerous wildlife such as crocodiles and hippos.
“These individuals were allegedly attempting to harvest Incema /African grass mat (Juncus) within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park without permission. The two other individuals escaped unhurt during the encounter,” said iSimangaliso Wetland on its website.
isimangaliso Wetland representatives will be visiting the victim’s family to provide support.
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Compiled by Olwethu Mpeshe
