Luthando Mapepa
Correspondent
SIX people — including a school child — were injured in recent attacks by stray buffaloes in Mutare and Buhera districts respectively.
One of the stray buffaloes was killed in Marange, amid escalating human-wildlife conflict.
The escalating human-wildlife conflict has left villagers in Mutare and Buhera districts in fear, with reports of wild animals wreaking havoc in their communities, including a lion that was spotted in the Mutsago area, where it allegedly killed a beast last Monday night.
Three victims were attacked near Dune Primary School, in Ward 28, Buhera South, while the other three, including a school child, were attached by stray buffaloes in Mutsago area under Chief Marange.
The lion was also reportedly spotted in a mountain in the Mutsago area.
The buffaloes are reportedly straying from Save Valley Conservancy, from where they encroach into nearby villages in the two districts.
The double fence between Save Conservancy and the communities was vandalised, and farmers are also taking advantage to drive their cattle into the conservancy in search of pastures.
The problem has been going on for close to a decade as no one is willing to repair the fence – with the conservancy owners blaming villagers for vandalising the fence.
Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) spokesperson, Mr Tinashe Farawo confirmed the lion and buffalo attacks in Mutare and Buhera districts respectively, resulting in some people sustaining injuries from the buffalo encounters.
He said ZimParks dispatched rangers to track down the problem animals.
Mr Farawo urged the public not to hunt the buffaloes, and allow the rangers to handle the situation professionally.
He also advised against walking at night in affected areas to minimise risks.
“ZimParks has received reports of a stray lion and buffaloes in Mutare and Buhera districts, where several people were attacked and injured by buffaloes. We are urging the public not to hunt the buffaloes, and instead allow our rangers to execute their duties professionally.”
“We are also calling for people not to walk during the night in these areas to minimise risks. We are actively addressing the issue, prioritising both human safety and wildlife management, and prevent further incidents in the affected districts,” he said.
Village head, Mr John Mavhiza confirmed the incident, and said villagers in Mutsago area are now living in fear of the lion and buffaloes, frequently sighted in the area.
He said the attacks have left villagers on the edge, with many calling for urgent action to address the escalating human-wildlife conflict.
The lion’s presence has raised concerns over the safety of villagers and their livestock, as the attacks have resulted in significant distress and disruption to the communities, highlighting the need for effective measures to prevent further incidents and protect both human and animal life.
“We are no longer safe here because of the buffaloes and a lion that are attacking villagers and their livestock. So far the lion, which was spotted in the mountain, has killed a beast, while two people sustained serious injuries after being attacked by some buffaloes.
“We have engaged the Department of Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks), and their rangers visited the area. They are on the ground tracking and hunting the stray animals,” said Mr Mavhiza.
Buhera Residents Trust director, Mr Leonard Mabasa confirmed the attacks in the district, adding that the community is working with ZimParks rangers.
“Yes, we have received reports of attacks by stray buffaloes. One of three victims was admitted at Chapanduka Clinic after being gored by a buffalo. Some of the stray buffaloes are being spotted in the villages. ZimParks rangers are currently on the ground tracking down the problem animals,” he said.
