Cape Vidal camping horror: hyena mauls sleeping man in tent

AN ANNUAL camping trip turned into a nightmare for Tim Govender, 48, when a hyena attacked him in his tent at Cape Vidal.

- MONISHKA GOVENDER

The businessman, from Fourways, in Johannesburg, suffered severe facial injuries. He now faces multiple reconstructive surgeries.

Govender said the attack took place at 3.30am on August 11 - the last day of their trip.

He said he was on an annual camping and fishing trip with his uncles and cousins, and this was not their first trip to Cape Vidal.

“Every year, we go on this trip to different locations. We have been to this campsite many times and have years of experience with camping,” said Govender.

He said they left the door of the tent open in the event they needed to use the toilet.

“It was the last day of our trip. I was asleep in the tent with my uncle and cousin when I felt something pulling at my face.

“It was dark and I thought I was dreaming. I tried to push away whatever it was, but then it grabbed my nose.

“That was when I started fighting back. The hyena then grabbed my right arm, so I used my left arm to punch it. It bit my nose and a piece of my right arm. I was screaming for help, prompting my uncle and cousin to wake up,” he said.

Govender said the hyena only attacked him.