Online Reporter
Milton Mashasha in Matabeleland South
A 78-YEAR-OLD village head from Gwanda is lucky to be alive after a bloodthirsty hyena allegedly pounced on him in broad daylight and left him with a broken arm and leg in a terrifying attack that has shaken villagers!
Joshua Ndlovu of Halisupi Sitshebo area in Mosendame Line, Ward 19, under Headman Rantasi and Chief Ketso Mathe, survived the vicious attack which happened on 12 May while he was tracking his goats.
Ndlovu was rushed to Gwanda District Hospital after the attack, where he was treated and discharged on 26 May.
The incident has sparked fear across the community, as villagers panic over the growing threat of dangerous wild animals roaming freely during the day.
Ndlovu’s son, Nhlalo, said the family is still traumatised after the terrifying encounter.
“My father was looking after his goats when he saw an animal eating one of them. He thought it was a baboon and threw a stone to chase it away,” said Nhlalo.
“The animal suddenly charged at him. That is when he realised it was a hyena. It attacked him and broke his arm. He fought back and managed to escape while screaming for help.” Villagers say they cannot believe a hyena attacked a human in daylight.
“We are living in fear. School children walk long distances every day and now people are scared they could also be attacked,” said Nhlalo.
National Parks officials from Tuli Camp reportedly visited the area after the attack.
Another villager, Mboniso Sibanda, said the attack has left the entire community stunned.
“It is shocking because hyenas usually move around at night. Seeing one attack a person during the day is frightening. We now fear for our children and livestock,” he said. Thabiso Makwaiba said human-wildlife conflict in the area was getting out of control.
“These hyenas are becoming bold. They are now attacking domestic animals in broad daylight and even ambushing people. It is terrifying,” he said.
The incident comes at a time when communities in Matabeleland South are battling increasing cases of human-wildlife conflict.
Villagers in Hwali, Siboza, Sukwi and nearby areas have also reportedly been struggling with elephants destroying crops and threatening lives.
Residents are now pleading with authorities to urgently step in before the incidents escalate.
Villagers told B-Metro that every strange sound in the bushes now sends chills down their spines as fear of another hyena attack grips the community.
