SWAZI OBSERVER (Mbabane, Swaziland) 10 January 11 Another boy escapes crocodile’s jaws (Sibusisiwe Ngozo)

15-year-old Mvelo Dlamini has lived to tell how he was saved from the jaws of death when he came face to face with a crocodile.

His friend, Machawe Mafuleka (15,) is now the hero in the small community of Matsanjeni. Mafuleka saved his friend from the jaws of the raging crocodile while they were swimming at an irrigation stream. The stream runs along the Matsanjeni area up to Nsoko and Nisela.

The two teenagers were swimming with three friends when the reptile attacked Dlamini, grabbing his right arm. While the three took to their heels, Mafuleka was brave enough to stay behind and save his friend.

As the crocodile got hold of Dlamini’s right hand, Mafuleka went for the left hand and pulled to the opposite direction until the crocodile lost its grip. As they were running for safety the crocodile went for his right leg and ripped off the tissues but they managed to escape. According to a source it was a miracle that the Mafuleka was able to save his friend from the raging reptile. Dlamini is currently admitted at the Good Shepherd hospital after suffering a fractured arm and damaged tissues between the foot and the leg but the bones were not affected.

In an almost similar heroic act, last Tuesday a 15-year old Sonnyboy Masilela lived to tell the tale after he was attacked by a crocodile while crossing the Mbuluzi River.

He only sustained a few wounds to his neck and head after the crocodile had attempted unsuccessfully to sink its jaws and he further saved his younger brother (8) who was with him inside the river.

Police PRO Superintendent Wendy Hleta confirmed the incident. She further warned the public to be careful when using rivers more especially with the never ending rains.

“We have gathered from experts that crocodiles migrate to smaller streams and rivers when water swells in dams because they feel insecure. So people should be careful when using rivers where the sand is not visible because there maybe crocodiles,” she said.

Hleta said crocodiles have been spotted in rivers such as Black Mbuluzi, Mlumati and in a stream in Sihlutse.

About crocodiles and how to protect yourself:

• A crocodile can spend about one to two hours studying its prey very well and monitoring its movement.

• A crocodile can travel about one to two kilometers looking for food.

• In deep waters and flooded rivers they tend to swim against the water flow to find safe places.

• Avoid murky waters
Another boy escapes crocodile’s jaws

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