THE RIVER OF BLOOD

The River of Blood

The Zambezi River, a lifeblood for countless communities in Mozambique, holds a dark secret beneath its shimmering surface. Lurking in its depths are monstrous crocodiles, cold-blooded killers that rule the waterways with an iron grip. Locals whisper tales of their merciless nature, their eyes wary as they navigate the river's edge. 

Official records paint a grim picture: crocodile attacks plague Mozambique, with a chilling concentration in districts bordering Lake Cahora Bassa and the Zambezi River. Over 66 percent of all attacks occur in these areas, a stark reminder of the ever-present danger. 

Fishermen, braving the waters in their fragile dugout canoes, are particularly vulnerable. A hungry crocodile can launch a ferocious attack, shattering the tranquility and dragging unsuspecting fishermen to their deaths. Most are never seen again, swallowed whole by the river's depths. The Zambezi claims its victims without a trace, leaving behind only the chilling silence of their absence.

Nyakoko, the crocodile, and Mvuu, the hippopotamus, are the undisputed devils of the Zambezi. Hated, respected, and feared in equal measure, they command the river with an ancient authority. Even on the banks, safety is an illusion. An unwary villager collecting water or a child playing too close to the edge can vanish in an instant, snatched by the jaws of a lurking crocodile. 

Superstition adds another layer of fear. Some believe these killer crocodiles are controlled by witches, malevolent forces that direct their attacks. The Zambezi, a source of life and sustenance, is thus forever intertwined with the fear of sudden death, a constant reminder of the wildness that lies just beneath the surface.