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Although there are water taps in this village, which is also inaccessible because of the lack of road maintenance, the community had not received water for the past six years, and this leaves the community with no option, but to go to the river to fetch water. Many crocodile attacks took place, which resulted in people being crippled or killed.

In the past four years only, crocodiles attacked nine people from the same village. Seven survived, while two died. There is also an alarming increase in people who died after they had been knocked down by vehicles, while they were trying to cross the main road to the river where they fetch water. Between 1996 and 1999, at least eleven people where knocked down by cars. Eight died, while only three survived.

From December last year until January 17, at least three people where attacked by crocodiles. Florence Nemarivhoni (30) is the latest victim of a crocodile attack. Nemarivhoni was busy with her washing last week Thursday, January 17, when a crocodile grabbed her by her right hand. "I was putting my hand into the water to rinse the clothes I was washing, when a big brown crocodile grabbed my hand. Fortunately there was a brick wall between us, which helped me to hold on, until the crocodile gave up," said Nemarivhoni who sustained four serious wounds to her right hand.

Livhuwani Mbuvha (18) was attacked on her left hand while she was fetching water on December 15 last year. Mbuvha, who was accompanied by her mother, says the crocodile went to the deeper water with her basket that it took from her hands.

Another victim, Eunice Ndalammbi (20), said that the crocodile missed her and grabbed the T-shirt she was washing on December 11 last year. Nditsheni Tshabuse (28) had her skirt torn off, after the crocodile had grabbed her on March 21, 1999.

Other people who have been attacked by crocodiles are Stephina Mavhungu (survived) Stephina Musetha (survived), Mulalo Muhanelwa (died) and Mbulaheni Nemavhandwe, who also died.

The people who were knocked down by cars while crossing the road to collect water are Rosina Netshiozwi (died), Grace Ramukumba (died), Mavis Ramboda (died), Azwinaki Muofhe (died), Welcome Mudau (died), Sylvia Nyathivhakoni (survived), Rosina Makhwedzha (died) Thinawanga Mbangiseni (survived), Rally Munyangane (died) and TJ Rakumbani who also died.

There are also people from other areas, who were attacked by crocodiles in the same river, who whose names were not available. Besides this alarming increase of crocodile attacks and speeding motorists, the community claims their plea to both Thulamele Municipality and department of Water Affairs to get water into their taps has fallen on deaf ears, amid many unfulfilled promises.

"This situation came to our attention in 1995, when Mulalo Muhanelwa was killed by a crocodile while she was fetching water. From there we had many incidents, which forced us to approach the municipality and the Department of Water Affairs," said Emmanuel Nemavhada, who also lost his sister in the river.

Nemavhada said that they were tired of department's unfulfilled promises, which might now force them to kill the crocodiles, if the water is not provided within three months as promised.

"The first deadline we were given by Phuti Seloba, the departmental spokesperson, was January 21, which was Monday. Now they have told us to wait for another three months. The problems are that our mothers and sisters will not stop going to the river, as they do not have any other option. So, we think it is better for us to eliminate these crocodiles, as we cannot live without water.

In his reaction, Mr Seloba stated "we will provide water to the community within three months. We apologise for the inconvenience and the loss of lives in the area. We want to provide a sustainable means of supply of water to the community, which is the reason why our project is taking long."

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