NGUDZA – Frustrated community members of Ngudza were when going to press, still searching for the body of an 11-year-old boy, who was attacked by a crocodile last Thursday (February 13).

David Maselesele was fishing with his elder brother, Khumbudzo, and a friend at about 15:00, when he was dragged into Mutshundudi River by a crocodile.

Although the two boys tried to call elderly women, who were washing clothes nearby, the young boy was nowhere to be found.

Since then, the whole community, young and old staged a manhunt in the river while others risked their lives by diving into the deep water where the young boy was last seen.

The community's search continued until Tuesday this week, as there were no professional divers available. The unavailability and/or absence of professional divers have been a point of serious concern to both the community and the family of the boy. However caterpillars from the Thulamela municipality were provided to search for the body of the missing boy in the river. The caterpillars were still searching on Tuesday.

The family said they were very concerned about the lack of support from the government. The family spokesperson, Tshifhiwa Munyangane, said they were disappointed as there was no support from both the Premier Ngoako Ramatlhodi and ward councillor, Mukwevho.

"We have just seen our councillor on Monday, while the incident happened five days ago. This issue is not even taken seriously, even by the media. We need the necessary support as we are talking about someone's life here," said Tshifhiwa while adding that they are getting a lot of support from traditional leaders and the community's civic organisation.

Meanwhile, community member Patson Mudau said lack of water in the area was exposing the community to the crocodiles in the river. Mudau said crocodiles attacked women and children on several occasions whenever they fetch water or are doing washing.

Meanwhile, it is reported that crocodiles in the neighbouring area of Dzingahe have killed more than ten people.