Jumbo tramples anti-poaching game scout

Leonard Ncube, Victoria Falls Reporter
A GAME scout attached to the Victoria Falls Anti-Poaching Unit (VFAPU) died on the spot after a lone bull elephant trampled him.

The incident happened on Friday morning in a bush adjacent to Chamabondo National Park.

Clever Kapandura (51) of Mkhosana was a supervisor at VFAPU and on Friday he reportedly drove to the bush for a routine patrol with a team of scouts but instead of dropping them as usual, he decided to join them in the day’s patrol.

They reportedly split into different teams and he was in the company of Mr Tanyara Ncube when a lone bull charged at them at around 8AM.

Mr Ncube allegedly fled to safety but his supervisor could not outpace the jumbo which attacked and killed him.

Those who attended the scene found that his head was crushed while arms and legs were fractured as a result of the attack

Chronicle heard that the duo saw the elephant from a distance but did not notice when it suddenly charged towards them, resulting in the incident.

Game scouts usually patrol to guard against poaching of animals and firewood.

Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) rangers on Saturday tracked and shot dead the problem elephant as it was now deemed a danger to the community.

ZimParks spokesperson Mr Tinashe Farawo said:

“We can confirm that there was an unfortunate incident that happened in Victoria Falls where a 51-year-old man was killed by an elephant. It’s very unfortunate and we are deeply saddened by this incident.”

A Chronicle news crew visited the deceased’s house in Mkhosana near the shopping centre where mourners are gathered.

The family declined to comment referring the news crew to the VFAPU.

A family member who spoke on condition anonymity said everyone was still in shock as a result of the incident.
VFAPU director Mr Charles Brightman could also not give more details but said the VFAPU was helping the bereaved family.

The incident comes as residents have been complaining about stray elephants on the streets especially at night.– @ncubeleon