Obrein Simasiku
The family of the 57-year-old man who was trampled to death by an elephant at Impalila island in the Zambezi region, will receive compensation of N$100 000 from the Ministry of Environment and Tourism through its National Policy on Human and Wildlife Conflict (HWC) management.
The deceased identified as Victor Mubiano was attacked and killed by the elephant on Sunday evening, while a second victim Nkonga Simataa (24) who survived with severe injuries was also trampled in a separate incident the same day.
HWC policy management makes provision of a N$100 000 for loss of life, N$10 000 for injuries with no limb loss, N$30 000 for limb loss and N$50 000 for permanent damage.
“This is a very unfortunate incident which is regrettable by the ministry. We do not wish to see Namibian lives lost as a result of wild animals. Staff members are in the area providing assistance wherever possible. Through the HWC policy management, the family will be given N$100 000 for funeral arrangements, and this is not construed as compensation for loss of life but to assist the family,” said the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism spokesperson, Romeo Muyunda.
According to media reports, Mubiano was attacked and killed around 20h00 while he was on his way from a bar with friends when the jumbo pounced on them. The friend allegedly managed to escape, unfortunately the deceased could not make it.
Simataa was brutally attacked as he tried to protect his baby who was thrown by the mother as she fled when they came in contact with the beast. It is alleged Simataa lay on top of the baby, while the furious giant mammal continued to stump on him.
According to Kabbe South Constituency Councillor, John Likando, Simataa was taken to Kasane hospital where he is recovering but in a stable condition, while his baby who suffered head injuries has been discharged.
The councillor said this is a dangerous time on the rocky island that lays close to Botswana’s national park, adding that as the river dries up migration of the animals between the two countries starts.
“These animals are migrating daily thus coming into close proximity with the community. Therefore, the public needs to be extra vigilant and always return home while still early, Some roads have thick bushes that encroach on the road, reducing visibility,” he cautioned.
Likando said in as much the island is frequented by wild animals of which some are permanent, the community is also up and about, working and trying to make a living. On that, note he advised the community to follow the training and guidelines as laid out in the conservation training received when coming in contact with wild animals, because the area is a conservancy and will have to co-exist with the animals.
