The development has put lives of people and livestock at risk there.

Traditional Authority Ndakwera told Zodiak Onlin Monday that the reptiles are swimming up Nkombezi and Madziabango rivers were people are not used seeing them.

The beasts have become a concern especially in areas where children and women cross rivers to schools and hospital.

“Currently, people of Mchenga and other surrounding villages in my area are living in fear because of these crocodiles.

“Just last Saturday the crocodiles nearly attacked a villager,” said T/A Ndakwera.

The chief said the matter has been reported to officials at Lengwe National Park although action has yet to be taken.

On his part, Director of Department of Parks and Wildlife, Brighton Kumchedwa, said government hunters will be deployed to Mchenga village to assess the situation.

“The laws are very clear. When any wild animal poses a threat to human life and property, it has to be taken out,” said Kumchedwa.

However, Kumchedwa observed that crocodiles tend to swim up rivers in the rainy season as such, communities needed to take extra care this time of the season.