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Mashonaland Central Bureau
A 53-YEAR-OLD man from Munheza Village in Kanyemba was trampled to death by an elephant on his way to another village during the night.
Clifford Chovha was travelling to Chihwapura Village in the company of two other people when they met a herd of elephants.
Mashonaland Central police spokesperson Inspector Milton Mundembe confirmed the incident, saying there were a number of cases of human-wildlife conflict in Mbire, especially from Angwa area to Kanyemba.
The incident happened on May 20 this year and Insp Mundeme said Chovha was in the company of Peter Chihwapura (42) and Taurai Kamuranda (37).
“They were walking along a footpath from Munheza to Chihwapira Village,” he said
“On their way, they met a group of elephants. One elephant charged towards Chovha and started chasing him. Chihwapura and Kamuranda managed to escape and informed Munacho Kambazi (37) of the incident.
“They called for help and villagers searched for Chovha and found him lying on the ground with a big chest wound.”
Insp Mundembe said Chovha was still alive when he was found, but died on the way to Angwa Clinic.
Angwa Police Base was informed and attended the scene where police officers found elephant tracks, chopped trees and struggle marks. Insp Mundembe urged people who live near game parks to avoid travelling during the night, as they were likely to meet wild animals.
“We also urge communities not to vandalise perimeter fences, which demarcate game parks to avoid human and wildlife conflicts,” he said.
Online Reporter