Missing fisherman feared taken by crocodiles

January 20, 2025
Elliot Matibila
Elliot Matibila

Search continues for Kariba spear-fisherman after witnesses report seeing crocodile attack on Zambezi River.

Fears are growing for the safety of Elliot Matibila, a spear-fisherman missing since December 31, 2024, after Zambian fishermen reported seeing crocodiles attack an object in the Zambezi River.

Matibila, from Kariba’s Nyamhunga area, vanished while working on the river. His mobile phone and shirt were later found on the shoreline, suggesting he had entered the water.

“We will not give up until we find Matibila,” said Kariba Mayor Ralph Maoneyi, who is leading search efforts along the Lower Zambezi’s Mafridge and Salisbury areas.

Three Zambian fishermen described seeing crocodiles attack a floating object, with one witness reporting that a crocodile submerged the object before they could investigate further.

The search team has extended their efforts to nearby Zambian communities as they continue to look for the missing man.