A 22-year-old man of Nzenga village in Sinazongwe chiefdom in Southern Province has died after being attacked by a crocodile while fishing.

Deleo Maiya was attacked at Siamambo fishing harbour around 07:00 hours while fishing on Lake Kariba as he was pulling out his fishing nets.

The incident was noticed by other fishermen who were nearby after hearing his loud screams and mobilised themselves to rescue him from the crocodile that was in shallow waters.

The deceased was subsequently retrieved but had already succumbed to the crocodile attack and died.

Southern Province Police Commanding Officer Moono Namalongo confirmed the incident in a press statement issued to the press.

He said the incident was reported to Police by the Father of the deceased, Keficious Siamunyama, of Nzenga Village in Chieftainess Sinazongwe chiefdom.

Mr Namalongo indicated that his officers visited the scene and found the body of the deceased lying along the shores of the lake.

He stated that the body was inspected and found intact apart from the fractured left foot and no foul play was suspected, and the family opted to proceed with the burial.

He said an inquiry file has since been opened over the occurrence.