adminThubelihle Mabhena Chronicle Reporter
A 68-YEAR-OLD man from Insuza in Matabeleland North province was trampled to death by a lone elephant at around 5PM on Tuesday. Police retrieved his body the following day as they failed to chase away the elephant, which was “guarding” the body. Bubi Rural District Council chief executive officer, Patson Mlilo said villagers found the man only identified as Moyo already dead with the elephant piling tree branches on his body.
“The man was found dead by villagers who notified the community. Villagers were afraid that the elephant would attack them as well since it was hovering around the dead body laying shrubs on top of it,” said Mlilo.
“The matter was reported to the police and they acted promptly but they could not retrieve the body as they were also afraid of the elephant which re-appeared from time to time.”
He said the police told the villagers that they had small rifles which were not strong enough to bring down the gigantic animal.
Mlilo said they alerted Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Managament rangers who arrived on Wednesday at around 11AM when the body had already been taken away at around 10AM by the police.
“The elephant population has increased and it has proved to be a challenge for villagers. These elephants move around everywhere searching for food and destroying crops,” he said.
Mlilo appealed to policy makers to allow the community to benefit from the elephants by slaughtering them for consumption.
“This is one example of a harmless elderly man who died a gruesome death,” said Mlilo.
He appealed to the government to provide the police with transport and guns appropriate for such situations. Mlilo said transportation also proved to be a challenge for the police.
He condemned the Zimparks for their late response to the jumbo attack.
Mlilo said councillors from Umguza and Bubi district had to assign three hunters to search for the elephant.
Zimparks spokesperson, Caroline Washaya-Moyo said she was not aware of the incident.
Online Reporter