The Ezemvelo KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife’s Acting CEO, Mr Sihle Mkhize, has expressed his heartfelt condolences to the family of Mr Sphamandla Phiwayinkosi Mthembu who died on duty on Sunday, 19 November 2023.He was 31 years.
Mr Mthembu was attacked by a hippo whilst on foot patrol at Mkhuze Game Reserve. Mr Mthembu was patrolling with three of his colleagues (names withheld to allow them space to process this incident), tracking some footprints following the reports of people putting snares in the area.
During their patrol, they decided to divide into two and go in opposite directions. Within a few minutes, one of Mr. Mthembu’s colleague heard a gunshot from Mr. Mthembu’s direction. When he went to investigate, he saw a hippo attacking Mr. Mthembu.
Mr Mthembu’s colleague started shooting at the hippo until it died. Mr Mthembu was still alive when the hippo died, and managed to speak to his colleagues before he sadly succumbed to his injuries whilst they were waiting for assistance.
“My heart broke when I heard of this incident, and finding the words to say to the family was made more difficult when I realised that Mr Mthembu had recently lost his child. His family was still trying to come to terms with the loss of a child, and this unfortunate incident happened. My condolences to his partner, remaining child and the Mthembu family.” Mourned Ezemvelo CEO, Sihle Mkhize. Mr Mkhize further indicated that Ezemvelo has been working with the Mthembu family since Sunday.
Mr TE Mthembu, the uncle of the late Sphamandla Mthembu, has indicated that the family is hoping that the funeral of Mr Sphamandla Mthembu will be on Saturday, 25 November 2023
For enquiries, you can contact Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife Communications Manager.
