Mr Phillip Neluvhola (60), one of the most beloved clowns in the Vhembe District, has joined residents of Tshiseluselu and surrounding villages in demanding that the dangerous Damani Dam be fenced off, following years of deadly crocodile attacks.
Neluvhola, who narrowly escaped death after a close encounter with a large crocodile at the dam a few years ago, says the government has failed to act despite repeated warnings from the community.
Since the dam was constructed more than 20 years ago, at least seven people — including Zimbabwean nationals — have been attacked and killed by crocodiles at Damani Dam.
One of the most tragic incidents occurred in 2018, when an 11-year-old boy from Tshiseluselu village was washing clothes in the dam with his friends. A crocodile suddenly emerged from the water, attacked the child and dragged him into the dam. His body was never recovered.
Recalling his own terrifying experience, Neluvhola said he was bathing at the edge of the dam when the crocodile struck.
“I heard cattle farmers shouting that a crocodile was running towards me, but before I could turn around, the creature hit me from behind and jumped over my head into the dam,” he said.
“It then turned back towards me, but I jumped up and ran as fast as I could to where the cattle herders were standing. They were shocked senseless by what had just happened.”
Neluvhola said it was painful for the community to accept that authorities had done little to protect residents, despite knowing how dangerous the crocodile-infested dam is.
“How many more people have to die before the dam is fenced off?” he asked.
Residents say fencing the dam would prevent further loss of life, particularly among children and people who rely on the dam for washing, bathing and livestock.
Caption: Mr Phillip Neluvhola, who survived a close encounter with a crocodile at Damani Dam a few years ago.
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