A STUDENT of the sixth grade, Ugala Primary School located in Nsimbo Council in Katavi region, Msopola Issa (14) has died after being attacked by a crocodile while fishing with a hook in the Ugala River.

Confirming the Katavi Regional Police Commander, Ali Makame said the tragedy happened on March 19, 2023 around 8pm when the child was fishing in the river.

Narrating the story, the Chairman of Ugala Village, Shaban Juma said that afternoon of the incident, the student was suddenly attacked by a crocodile while fishing in the river, causing his death.

"The crocodile bit the leg of the child who was crying for help, armed with various traditional weapons, some men who heard the child screaming rushed to the scene, but they were too late because the animal had already dragged the child into the depths of water," he said.

He said at that time some men bravely dived into the river, an act that frightened the animal, which ran away and left Msopola's body floating in the water.

He asked the citizens living in the villages near the river to take various precautions, including bathing at home instead of swimming in the river which has a large number of crocodiles.