A 7-year-old girl has died while a 14-year-old girl is battling for life in hospital following two separate hyena attacks in Mutuwanjovu area, Chief Mwase’s Chiefdom.
Christina Phiri was pronounced dead upon arrival at Nthitimila Rural Health Center after a hyena snatched her while she was returning from fetching water with her mother around 17:30 hours.
The mother, Jessy Phiri, chased the animal and managed to rescue her daughter from its jaws, but the child had already sustained severe head injuries and leg bruises.
Eastern Province Police Commanding Officer Robertson Mweemba has confirmed the incident to Diamond News.
Mr. Mweemba says before the family could get her to a clinic, the same hyena struck 14 -Year-Old Madah Ndhlovu who was walking back from watching football at the same school.
She sustained head injuries and a deep cut on her right leg before being rescued by bystanders.
She has since been admitted to Nthitimila Rural Health Center and is awaiting referral to Lumezi District Hospital.
The matter was reported to Lundazi Police Station around 20:30 hours by the grandfather of the victims.
Police have yet to visit the scene, and the Department of National Parks and Wildlife has been alerted.
By Samuel Khwawe
