By Kaya 99 Reporter
A soldier is recovering in hospital after he was attacked by a hyena at a shooting range in Mpumalanga.
The incident, according to South African Defence Force spokesperson Siphiwe Dlamini, happened at the Sand River shooting range.
“It is reported that a staff sergeant heard movement of the hyena in the covered area of the Ops room and the kitchen. He called on his colleague to assist in chasing the animal out but unfortunately it got stuck under a fence.
“Two members approached the area on foot not aware that the animal was trapped by the fence,” Dlamini said.
He said as the soldiers walked towards the hyena, it broke free and attacked a SANDF member. He was injured on both hands.
“A third member went to the rescue and fired a single shot with a 9mm pistol, injuring the animal which fled. The soldier managed to rescue his colleague,” Dlamini said.
ALSO READ: Tiger kills worker at Seaview Predator Park
Hyena flees base
The SANDF member was treated by the Operational Medic at the scene and then taken to a Skukuza doctor’s room where he was stabilised.
The officer was then transferred to the Nelspruit Medi Clinic under the supervision of the Operational Medic.
Dlamini said the officer remains in a stable condition in the hospital.
“The Skukuza Special Operations Section Ranger has not been able to locate the animal and it is presumed that it was injured judging from the blood trail out of the camp,” Dlamini said.
“The conclusion is that this was an unfortunate incident where the animal was under duress and attacked while trying to flee the base,” Dlamini said.
Just three months ago, 9-year-old Rodwell Nkomazana underwent facial reconstruction surgery after he was attacked by a hyena.
The Zimbabwean youngster was asleep at a church gathering in Harare when he was mauled. He was flown to South Africa where he underwent surgery.
He is said to be recovering well.
ALSO READ: Man wrestles alligator after it attacks handler at children’s party
