adminLackson Munkombwe Sunday News Reporter
AT least 20 beasts belonging to villagers in Samende Village in Binga died last week after grazing in land suspected to have been laced with poison following a dispute over grazing pastures, officials have confirmed.
The farm which is suspected to be at the centre of the dispute belongs to a Mr Robert Lunga whom villagers suspect laced the pastures with poison after he had promised to fix those whose cattle were straying into his farm.
A veterinary officer in Binga Mr Johannes Mudimba said they have taken samples from the animals’ remains which were now being tested to ascertain the cause of the death.
“I can confirm that we attended a case where beasts died at the said farm and several others reportedly died in the surrounding area. We examined the beasts’ carcasses but could not draw to conclusion that it was cyanide poisoning as people are speculating,” said Mr Mudimba.
Environmental Management Agency Matabeleland North Provincial environmental education officer, Mrs Mildred Matunga, said the district office in Binga confirmed to have received the reports of beasts that died in Donga through the Department of Agriculture and Extension Services (Agritex) and have since sent the research team to assess the cause of the deaths in the area.
“We received information of cattle that have died but we are told that Agritex officials in the area said the cows might have died after they grazed wilting sorghum. It is a first report of such occurrence in Binga, and people who witnessed the incident panicked and concluded it was cyanide. The research team is assessing the area and also talking to village heads to get appropriate information,” said Mrs Matunga.
However, villagers told Sunday News that they were told by veterinary officers who attended the scene that the beasts exhibited signs of those killed by cyanide.
They suspected Mr Lunga, the farm owner of having committed the act as he had promised to fix them if their cattle continued to stray to his farm.
“Cows were found scattered dead in Lunga’s field,” said Mr Mucimba Mwembe who lost at least five beasts.
“Veterinary officers examined the cows and discovered that the beasts had deformed livers and intestines and they told us this could have been due to poisoning. The veterinary officials could not confirm immediately as to what substance was used that could cause so much damage within a short period of time but suspected cyanide,” Mr Mwembe said.
He said the case was reported to police and Chief Sikalenge.
“Lunga was however, not arrested but was asked to appear before Chief Sikalalenge who interrogated him about why the cattle had died in his farm. Lunga denied the charge claiming that he did not spray the field with any chemical and was equally surprised why such an incident had happened at his field.”
Mr Mwembe said Mr Lunga has been fighting villagers threatening to harm their cattle if they continue grazing their cattle close to his farm.
“Lunga was also accused of axing two oxen on the back and as a result severing one of the beast’s tail. The owners of the cows followed the blood stains which led them to Lunga’s garden. The matter was reported to Chief Sikalenge. Lunga again denied the charges and was never punished,” he said.
Chief Sikalenge confirmed Mr Lunga was being investigated for poisoning of the beasts.
“The matter is still under investigation,” said Chief Sikalenge, “We cannot draw conclusions when the accused Lunga has denied the allegations. It’s unfortunate that another incident has happened again on his premises before the previous case is settled. Now we are seriously looking into his behaviour and I can assure you that necessary measures will be taken to solve the matters.”
Efforts to reach Mr Lunga were fruitless.
Online Reporter