The two, one of them identified as Tisunge Banda aged 19, are admitted to the district hospital where they are being treated.

The reptile ripped-off Tisunge’s left arm as she washed clothes in the river. There are reports of three other crocodile attacks in which people escaped unhurt.

Village headman Fulama, whose village is also close to the river, told Zodiak Online that people are not safe following the incidents.

“We chiefs in this area have been advising our subjects to be cautious when they go to the river to avoid attacks by crocodiles,” he said.

Director of Wildlife in the Ministry of Natural Resources, Energy and Mining, Brighton Kumchedwa, told Zodiak Online that the department will deploy game rangers to the river to hunt and kill the crocodiles.

“Officially, the department has not been informed about the incidents but we will respond to what the media has reported. We will deploy game rangers to the river to hunt the reptiles,” said Kumchedwa.