Online Reporter
Mthabisi Tshuma in Madlambudzi
A HERD of rogue elephants has unleashed terror in Bulilima District, Matabeleland South, forcing authorities to gun down three of the jumbo invaders as human wildlife conflict reaches boiling point.
For the past week, the giants have stormed villages in Madlambudzi, trampling and feasting on drying harvests, leaving behind a trail of destruction in smallholder fields.
In a desperate bid to protect lives and food supplies, Bulilima Rural District Council, working with Zimparks and a local safari operator, took the hard decision to eliminate the three ringleaders of the rampaging herd on Thursday, June 26.
“These three had become a menace. They were the ones leading the herd to the villagers’ fields. Unfortunately, we had to shoot them down,” confirmed council CEO Mr Biliati Mulauzi.
On Wednesday afternoon, this reporter witnessed the towering beasts trudging through farmland between Mafa and Khandamhlophe villages, heading towards Thekwane River with their eyes set on food and water.
But thirst is also fuelling the chaos.
Sources say the elephants, believed to have migrated from Hwange National Park, Tsholotsho and even as far as Botswana, are suffering due to damaged water sources in the region. Maitengwe Dam, once a vital watering hole, was severely damaged during the rainy season and now requires US$500 000 for repairs.
The dam is not only critical for the animals but also powers the local Campfire programme which attracts trophy hunters and tourists who fund community development through wildlife management.
“This issue is far from over,” warned Mulauzi. “We’re making frantic efforts to control the situation, but as long as the dam stays unrepaired, these animals will keep invading villages.”
Villagers, meanwhile, remain on edge, watching the horizon for more tusked invaders.
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Story still unfolding…
