DAR ES SALAAM, April 14 (Xinhua) -- At least 14 people from Buchosa area in Tanzania's northwest region of Mwanza were killed by crocodiles in Lake Victoria in the past four years, an official said on Sunday.
Onesmo Daudi, Maisome Ward Executive Officer, said seven other people sustained injuries from attacks by the crocodiles during the time under review, adding that most of them were left with disabilities.
Daudi said two of the injured persons were Busikimbi and Kagorogoro primary school pupils who were attacked in 2017 when fetching water from the lake for domestic use.
"These pupils are now living with disabilities after being amputated on one leg each following the crocodile attacks," he said.
Busikimbi primary school head teacher, Cosmas Mkoye, said the two pupils had to be assisted materially in order to continue with their studies due to challenges they were facing in attending classes.
Koletaha Kajoro, the grandmother of one of the pupils, said she was now forced to take the pupil to school after failing to purchase a wheel-chair for her grandson.
"We are going through very difficult times after our legs were amputated. One of the challenges is walking to and from school, well-wishers should assist us," appealed Jafta Edward, one of the pupils.
Aliko Ndile, a Lands and Natural Resources officer in Buchosa council, said permits have been requested from relevant authorities to harvest crocodiles in Lake Victoria, one of the African Great Lakes.
Ndile cautioned people to avoid taking bath in the lake to prevent further attacks by crocodiles.
