The police in the Kavango East Region is urging the public to be cautious when visiting the Kavango River for recreational activities during the festive season.

The Regional Crime Investigations Coordinator, Bonifatius Kanyetu, says cases of crocodile and hippo attacks might increase as more people return to their villages for holidays.

Deputy Commissioner Kanyetu's caution comes after a 16-year-old boy said to be an Angolan national escaped a hippo attack on the river at Mbambi village.

The victim, Moses Mbambo, and other family members are said to have been fishing across on the Angolan side of the river when the hippo chased them and inflicted serious injuries.

He was rushed to Nyangana Hospital, where his condition is said to be stable