A 34-year-old man was on Sunday mauled to death by a crocodile in Lake Rumira, Bugesera District. According to witnesses, Jean Marie Vianney Bizimungu was attacked by the reptile while fishing on the lake.He was a resident of Gicaca village in Ririma Sector of Bugesera District.Germen Ngendahayo, a friend to the deceased told The New Times that Bizimungu went fishing in the crocodile-infested lake at mid-night, despite several warnings issued against the act.“We got to know about the tragedy after seeing some of his body parts and clothes in the Gashora Sector part of the lake,” Ngendahayo said. “Seeing parts of a body of a person you knew, is heartbreaking. This is the experience we are trying to come to terms with.”Ngendahayo said that fishing activities have been restricted on the lake which is probably why some people carry it out in hiding.“I am sure the deceased knew the dangers but decided to fish. We take risks and lose lives. It is sad,” he said.The area Executive Secretary, Gaspard Gasirabo said residents continue to fish allegedly despite constant warnings.“It is regrettable that everybody knows that the lake is dangerous but they go against the warning. There are more crocodiles in this lake than any other in the district. We will continue to campaign against illegal and late night fishing because of the lurking danger,” he said.Bugesera District has a total of nine lakes.
