Killer crocodile claims latest victim

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

A giant crocodile is continuing to terrorize villagers in Central Halmahera regency in the troubled province of North Maluku after reportedly killing at least four people.

The seven-meter long reptile lives in a river bordering the villages of Waci and Petelei in South Muba subdistrict, causing fear among local residents, particular those living near the river.

The latest victim was a junior high school student, Marwan Mappo, who was grabbed and killed by the crocodile while accompanying his father to work in their farm field early last month, head of Waci village Habibu Salaton told Antara on Tuesday.

Marwan's headless body was found near the crocodile's suspected lair, he added.

Earlier last year, Habibu said, the reptile had killed three other villagers near the river.

"Hundreds of animal bones, like deer, pigs and dogs, were also found near the place where Marwan's body was found," he said.

Local villagers are attempting to catch and kill the crocodile, but their efforts have so far been fruitless.

"Residents have tried various ways to kill it but they have only caught a four-meter crocodile," Habibu said.

He explained that the villagers had used goats, dogs and cows as bait, but the crocodile had not even approached the animals, let along attempted to eat them.

A number of times the reptile has managed to avoid nets deployed to catch it. "This situation makes residents in the two villages more frightened and insecure about going to work on their farm land," Habibu said.

The hunt for the crocodile goes on despite help from local military personnel, who on one occasion stood guard near its lair for two days.

Head of South Maba subdistrict Guntur Marsaoly urged local farmers to be more watchful and to suspend working in riverside areas if necessary.

He was quoted by Antara as saying the local government would help in trying to capture the reptile.