Lockdowns around the world during the pandemic are enforced for many reasons, one of which is to contain the spread of infection.
But on Wednesday, a Rwandan man reportedly ignored the recently imposed lockdown to go fishing along the Nyabarongo river.
And in a cruel twist of fate, he was killed and eaten by a crocodile.
Alice Kayitesi, mayor of the southern Kamonyi district told BBC News:
"He had broken the stay-home rule, he's among very few people here who are not co-operating with the lockdown to stop the virus."
Man violating lockdown eaten by crocodile in Rwanda https://t.co/6wiizstCLA https://t.co/T3R8dNFUCk— 24 News HD (@24 News HD)1585145384.0
With a staggering number of cases on the rise as the virus spreads, President Paul Kagame ordered Africa's first total lockdown on Sunday.
A government statement read:
"Unnecessary movements and visits outside the home are not permitted."
With the exception of essential services like healthcare, banking and shopping for groceries, everyone was ordered to stay indoors for an initial two-week period.
Observing the global trend of the COVID-19 & considering the experiences of other countries, there is a clear need… https://t.co/SoukQBmXwt— Office of the PM | Rwanda (@Office of the PM | Rwanda)1584810722.0
Rwanda is known for its preparedness after fighting off an Ebola outbreak in 2019.
On Saturday, Rwanda reported 17 confirmed cases of infection and was considered the highest number in the East Africa region.
Now, the number has increased with 40 confirmed cases so far from the public health crisis.
@TheCitizen_News What was he thinking going out there even though he was told to stay put.. 😔 https://t.co/IQlQn7zZ2R— Thabiso (@Thabiso)1585147890.0
Once again, ignorance contributed to the downfall of mankind.
@NYDailyNews A long time ago, a man named Noah built an ark. He warned people a flood was coming. He invited people… https://t.co/0SthA0njRC— Nightglow Ent. (@Nightglow Ent.)1585147412.0
@BBCAfrica @dispatchug How ironic. Humans are rare species.— Cesar Woods Otim (@Cesar Woods Otim)1585159027.0
@BBCAfrica @matundura78 Jumping from the frying pan into the fire.— Jon (@Jon)1585156652.0
@BBCAfrica @BBCWorld That sounds like a story your Gran would scare you with to stop you going out.— JonnyK (@JonnyK)1585158453.0
Nature gave a harsh lesson.
@NYDailyNews Karma has bite.— Nina Espina (@Nina Espina)1585147189.0
@BBCAfrica @BBCWorld Is the crocodile a police officer ?or was she/he trained to identify those who are breaching the ongoing lockdown?— Joyce gatwiri (@Joyce gatwiri)1585154194.0
@BBCAfrica @africaupdates So he was locked down by a croc— ADACHUKWU ONWUDIWE (@ADACHUKWU ONWUDIWE)1585150916.0
@TheCitizen_News Rwanda....and who was the witness? I think Soldiers guarding the streets just fed him to the croco… https://t.co/zFfHOT9zCR— sabelo (@sabelo)1585148151.0
While the headline elicited online facetiousness, some social media users offered compassion.
@NYDailyNews I wanted to but can’t make fun of this one.. who knows that man was likely desperate to feed his famil… https://t.co/z01Euzp1QW— Kevn Striker (@Kevn Striker)1585147647.0
@BBCAfrica @BBCWorld But a man is dead show some sympathy— Aku Emeka (@Aku Emeka)1585155068.0
@BBCAfrica Crocs kill virtually any living thing; the question is, was he aware that he was fishing on a croc infes… https://t.co/d3JmBqdYA7— james taylor A.A (@james taylor A.A)1585156034.0
The BBC reported that the economic shutdown has taken a heavier toll on those who are low-income owners.
Many of those who cannot afford to go hoarding for food are forced to acquire sustenance and support their families by any means necessary – including fishing.
@BBCAfrica A lot poor people in Africa are going to be eaten by other"Crocodiles" as they try to survive these lock… https://t.co/6VdFHFqnjp— chaos (@chaos)1585161374.0
@BBCAfrica Maybe he didn't have food at home— Diary of Sugar! (@Diary of Sugar!)1585161681.0
Authorities responded quickly before the first case of the virus was confirmed in the landlocked country as fears of the virus that originated in Wuhan, China, began to spread.
Before the lockdown, public gatherings of large groups – including concert and political events and church gatherings – had already been banned.
UPDATE: 43 members of 'Itorero ry’Intumwa' sect found praying on a hill in Gakenke district contrary to suspension… https://t.co/Bz1lyWAs77— The Chronicles (@The Chronicles)1584828444.0
All borders remain closed except for the passage of goods, cargo, and returning Rwandan citizens.
Currently, the central government has no plans to offer bailouts for small enterprises, and business owners have been warned not to increase prices on basic commodities.