Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu [email protected]
GWANDA residents are struggling to protect their homes, vehicles and livelihoods from increasingly troublesome baboons, prompting calls for a coordinated and lasting solution to a problem that has persisted for nearly two decades.
The baboons, now a common sight in the Matabeleland South provincial capital, reportedly began flocking to the town around 2007. Their growing numbers have left residents in the central business district (CBD) and surrounding suburbs grappling with property damage, food theft and, in some cases, attacks resulting in hospitalisation.
The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) says improved waste management and cooperation among stakeholders are critical to containing the problem.
Speaking during a recent stakeholder meeting in Gwanda, ZimParks senior area manager for the southern region, Mr Godfrey Munkuli, said residents and authorities needed to work together to discourage baboons from entering homes and institutions.
“Improved disposal of waste is one of the immediate measures which can be adopted to help contain the menace of baboons which is affecting residents. One of the main challenges being experienced in Gwanda is poor waste management, which attracts baboons to homes and institutions,” he said.
“One of the main things being sought after by baboons as they roam around is food. Some people dispose of waste in their backyards, which attracts the animals. If this food source is eliminated, it will reduce the chances of baboons straying into homes and institutions.”
Mr Munkuli said stakeholders also needed to strengthen cooperation and develop a sustainable response to the problem. Previous operations to capture and relocate the baboons, conducted by ZimParks following engagements with Gwanda Municipality, have provided only temporary relief.
For residents, the daily struggle involves keeping doors and windows securely closed, protecting food supplies and safeguarding property from animals that have become increasingly adept at accessing homes.
Ms Bridget Khumalo said baboons had repeatedly broken into her house to steal food, forcing her family to take extra precautions even when indoors.
“During the day, when we are in the house, we have to make sure that we lock our doors from inside because the baboons can open them and gain entry. They have stolen food from my kitchen on several occasions after I had left the door closed but unlocked,” she said.
“Once they get into the house, it is difficult to stop them as they quickly snatch the food and dash out.”
Ms Khumalo said the animals also damaged vehicles by destroying windscreen wipers, mirrors and lights.
Her plans to establish an orchard, a fowl run and a garden have been put on hold because of the risk of damage caused by the baboons.
Another resident, Mr Ndumiso Nyoni, said he had abandoned his chicken-rearing project after the animals broke into his fowl run and killed his chicks.
“The baboons are a real menace in our neighbourhood and they have been a problem for several years. I have been living in Gwanda for the past 14 years and baboons have always been a challenge, but the problem has worsened over the recent years,” he said.
“We cannot leave our windows open because the baboons can gain entry or steal food through the windows. I once tried to rear chickens, but the baboons devoured all my chicks after they ripped open the fowl run.”
Mr Nyoni said residents had to remain vigilant because the animals could open unlocked doors and cause extensive damage.
He said baboons had also opened the outside tap at his home on several occasions, leaving water running.
The animals have reportedly damaged property at Gwanda Provincial Hospital, St Christopher’s Primary School, Mount Cazalet Primary School and Joshua Mqabuko Polytechnic College.
The problem becomes particularly pronounced during the dry season, when food and water become scarce in the wild, driving the baboons towards residential areas in search of sustenance.
Residents are now calling for a lasting solution, saying previous capture-and-relocation operations have failed to provide lasting relief.
