adminSukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, Plumtree Correspondent
A 42-YEAR-OLD man is battling for his life at the United Bulawayo Hospitals after he sustained multiple injuries including a ripped stomach after he was attacked by a buffalo in Bulilima District, Matabeleland South.
The bull which invaded homesteads in Mbimba area, Bambadzi Ward on Wednesday afternoon ripped Mr Japhet Ndlovu’s stomach open leaving his intestines protruding. Mr Ndlovu also sustained injuries on the right arm and head during the attack.
Bulilima Rural District Council chief executive officer Mr John Brown Ncube confirmed the incident.
“There is an incident of a man who was attacked by a buffalo within the district on Wednesday. Officers from the National Parks and Wildlife Management Authority and local authority have gone to the scene to track down the animal. They have been given a go-ahead to shoot it because we fear that more people will be endangered by its presence. These wild animals will be coming from Mabhongwane Concession area and they invade homesteads in search of water,” said Mr Ncube.
The councillor of Bambadzi Ward, Mr Zoolakes Nyathi said the buffalo attacked Mr Ndlovu while he was cutting down some logs in the company of other villagers. He said the group of villagers were in the company of dogs which started attacking the buffalo. Mr Nyathi said the buffalo charged at Mr Ndlovu while the other villagers escaped and climbed on trees.
“The villagers were collecting logs at a bushy area which is close to homesteads. Mr Ndlovu was working close to where the buffalo appeared. When the dogs started attacking the buffalo it charged towards him. It ripped his stomach open, trampled on his head and arm. When I got to the scene Mr Ndlovu’s intestines were protruding from his stomach,” he said.
Mr Nyathi said when the buffalo left, villagers ferried Mr Ndlovu to Madlambuzi Clinic where he was further referred to UBH.
He said hooves of buffaloes had been recently spotted in bushy areas around the village.
“After attacking Mr Ndlovu the buffalo was seen roaming around several homesteads but villagers could do nothing but hide in their houses. We suspect that the buffalo is targeting community boreholes in search of water. We have previously had incidences of elephants roaming around but the buffalo incident has really left villagers terrified. Villagers fear that the rest of the buffalo herd will soon advance towards homesteads,” he said.
Mr Nyathi said some parents have resorted to accompanying their children to and from school since the buffalo attack.
Online Reporter