• By Marx Itamalo

A recent sighting of crocodile in the Okatyali constituency of Oshana region has triggered a wave of panic among the inhabitants. 
This comes hot on the heels of the disappearance of a cattle herder in the area, which has sparked speculation among community members that the reptile might have something to do it.

Constituency councilor, Joseph Mupetami, has issued a stern warning to cattle herders in the vicinity to avoid crossing the river that forms the border between the Okadhiya grazing grounds and villages following reports of the crocodile in the river last week. 
Okadhiya is one of the places where many farmers in that region keep their cattle due to its good grazing and following the recent rains as well as flooding, the area was totally cut-off from the rest of the region and it is only accessible by helicopter. 
According to Mupetami, the cattle herder who was living alone disappeared from his post at Okadhiya days before the crocodile was seen. 

“We have a crocodile that was recently spotted in the river, and I therefore call people to avoid crossing the river alone and especially at night because it is dangerous,” said Mupetami. 

“We know we have cuca – shops on the other side where the herders and other members of the public go to drink. However, it should be noted that a reptile was spotted in the river and we should all be careful,” he stressed.
Oshana police spokesperson Chief Inspector Thomas Aiyambo confirmed that a case of a missing person is registered with the Okatyali police station. 

Aiyambo said: “The man is a Namibian male known as Willem [Handjamba] and is aged 40. He was last seen wearing a black trouser, black shirt and white wellington boots. He went missing with his two dogs.
“Some people say they saw him going in the direction of Onanke in the Oshikoto region. We want to appeal to members of the public to assist the police in that area in finding the person.”