Hippo kills woman fishing illegally in game reserve

A HIPPO bit and killed a woman who sneaked into the Mkhuze Game Reserve with two companions last week to fish illegally. Ester Jobe, from the neighbouring kwaJobe community, was wading in the channel and using a fishing basket to catch fish when she disturbed an adult hippo lying in the water. "According to her companions she tried to run away but was too close to the animal, which then bit her dragged her under water," said Jeff Gaisford, spokesman for Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife that manages the reserve. He said Jobe's companions threw stones and a spear at the hippo, which then moved away, and they were able to pull her out the water. Rangers were alerted but the hippo had moved off by the time they arrived. Of all the wild animals, the hippo is reputed to be the greatest killer of humans in Africa. (African Eye News Service)