Online Reporter
Paul Pindani in CHINHOYI
AN EMPLOYEE of Cutty Sark in Kariba, Cephas Murota, was killed by a raging elephant which charged at two men who were on their way to work in Kariba.
Murota was 47.
Zimbabwe National Parks and Wildfire Management officers managed to hunt and kill the elephant.
Police Provincial Police Spokesperson, Inspector Ian Kohwera, told H- Metro the tragedy occurred at the Lomagundi Turn-Off powerline in Kariba on Wednesday last week at around 7 am.
Insp Kohwera said Murota and Gracious Mupundu (30), who were both employees at Cutty Sark, were on their way to Tamarindi Lodges, where a hotel is being constructed.
He said when the two men reached the Lomagundi Turn-Off Powerline, they saw a herd of elephants.
“Suddenly one of the elephants charged towards them and they ran in different directions.
“Murota ran towards a nearby bush and Mupundu ran towards the construction site,” said Insp Kohwera.
He said the elephant charged towards Murota and he was gored.
“The elephant left him seriously injured and it joined the herd after the incident,” he said.
Kohwera said Mupundu saw the incident from a distance and rushed to render first aid.
“He called for assistance from other employees at the construction site,” said Insp Kohwera.
Murota was rushed to the Kariba District hospital and he died upon arrival.
Insp Kohwera said the police in the province were concerned with the increasing cases of human and wildlife conflicts, which were resulting in the loss of lives.
“Residents residing in wildlife infested areas are urged to be always vigilant when doing their day-to-day activities as animals can just suddenly attack them,” said Insp Kohwera.
