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Ranger saves man from croc
15/02/2005 22:38 - (SA)
Craig Elyot
Pietermaritzburg - A KwaZulu-Natal field ranger could be awarded a medal after he saved a colleague from a crocodile in Black iMfolozi River, in Zululand, this weekend.
Eric Ngcobo and Sifiso Nxumalo of the Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife anti-poaching unit were crossing the river on a routine patrol when a three-metre crocodile dragged Ngcobo under the water.
Nxumalo first called for help before firing his R-4 rifle into the water to scare off the crocodile without wounding Ngcobo.
Maureen Zimu of Ezemvelo said on Tuesday Nxumalo emptied a whole magazine - more than 30 rounds - into the water.
His radio then fell into the water, but his call had already been heard.
Victim in stable condition
The noise appeared to have convinced the crocodile to let go of Ngcobo and Nxumalo pulled him out of the water and on to the river bank where paramedics in a helicopter arrived within minutes.
Heavy rain prevented the helicopter from flying Ngcobo to hospital, so he was rushed by ambulance to Bay Hospital in Richards Bay, where his left hand was amputated.
Zimu said Ngcobo was reported to be in a stable condition, "but in extreme pain and heavily drugged".
She said that as Ngcobo could no longer serve as a field ranger with only one hand, Ezemvelo would find him a position elsewhere in the organisation.
She said: "The hero, Nxumalo, has been sent home for counselling as he is traumatised and we are working on a medal commendation for him."
- African Eye
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