Online Reporter
Mkhululi Ncube, [email protected]
A LONE male hippopotamus roaming several dams in Bulilima District, Matabeleland South, has become an unlikely attraction, drawing villagers, schoolchildren and even diaspora-based locals for a rare glimpse of the giant mammal.
For more than a year, the hippo has made Cuesteds Dam, located deep within grazing lands near Plumtree town, its home — an unusual sight in an area better known for antelope, kudu and the occasional leopard.
Its presence has transformed ordinarily quiet village dams into social hubs, with residents flocking daily to witness what many describe as a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Even those living outside the country have joined the excitement, following updates, photos and videos shared in village WhatsApp groups.
“The hippo is now stopping people from illegally fishing at Cuesteds Dam,” joked one villager online.
Another quipped: “It came like a festive-season visitor. It will probably disappear when the injiva go back.”
Schoolchildren have not been left out either, with many stopping by the dams after lessons to catch a glimpse of the animal grazing or wallowing calmly in the water.
“I was shocked when I heard there was a hippo at Sayina Dam. People rushed there to take pictures. It was grazing around and didn’t seem bothered by the crowds at all,” posted another villager.
During the just-ended festive season, Cuesteds Dam became particularly busy as Bulilima locals based in the diaspora returning home made it a point to see the hippo.
“I walked all the way to Cuesteds Dam hoping to see it, but I was unlucky that day. It was grazing in the bush,” said Dr Madlozi Moyo from Diba Village.
On Thursday, residents of Tshankwa and Mbonisi villages woke up to a surprise when the hippo appeared at Sayina Dam in Ward One, about 12 kilometres from Plumtree town.
While excitement dominates village conversations, some residents have raised safety concerns, particularly for schoolchildren and people who travel alone near the dams.
Confirming the animal’s presence, Bulilima Rural District Council natural resources officer, Mr Lizwe Tshuma, said the hippo had been roaming the district for years.
“This hippo has been at Cuesteds Dam for over a year and has not caused any problems. Unfortunately, some people disturb it by setting dogs on it while it is grazing,” he said.
Mr Tshuma revealed that the hippo was initially part of a pair.
“They were two, but we suspect the other may have been killed,” he said.
According to Mr Tshuma, the animal has moved between several dams since 2014, including Gariya Dam in Tsholotsho and Maitengwe Dam in Bulilima, possibly relocating after Maitengwe Dam burst its banks and lost water.
“Today we received reports that it is now at a dam belonging to Ward One Councillor, Sayina Manwele. We will send a team to assess the situation. The animal is generally not dangerous unless harassed,” he said.
Mr Tshuma said plans are underway to liaise with Zimparks to relocate the hippo to Tshabalala Sanctuary in Matopos National Park, both for its safety and that of the community.
Mr Tshuma warned residents against provoking the animal.
“If cornered or attacked, a hippo can become aggressive. People must not harm it,” he said.
