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Mashudu Mambo
WARD 17 residents in Bulawayo are living in fear after a troop of about 40 baboons raided the area and led to the injuries of several people.
Baboons have been in the area for some time and vendors in the area have since stopped their operations as they were constantly attacked by these animals.
This week, a woman from the area got hurt and sustained bruises after she was chased by a troop of baboons. Some time ago, a resident, Maud Mukuku (54) was left with 30 stitches after she had an encounter with a baboon, which wanted to break into her tuck shop.
“Some time ago, a baboon tried to break into my shop, l tried to scare it and it got aggressive. It lifted its paws and chased me, I ran towards the door but unfortunately, there was broken glass close to the door. I slipped and fell, l sustained a deep cut on my hand and when l went to Mpilo Central Hospital the wound was dressed and there were about 30 stitches. My right hand is disabled, l am only using my left hand because l cannot just sit at home and not work,” said Makuku.
Chairman of section C2 in Pumula South, Trust Mkhwananzi said the baboons have made life unbearable for the residents.
“Women and children are the most targeted, baboons are not scared of them. This has made it difficult for them to live peacefully because if they have vending stalls, they are constantly raided by these animals. These animals have attacked the source of livelihood for a number of families as some women survive on vending. We are afraid of sending our children to the shops as they are constantly attacked by these animals,” he said.
Mkhwananzi said the baboons were damaging people’s property and asbestos.
“These animals also invade our houses, steal food and in some cases, they steal chickens, which they eat on top of the roof. A number of people’s asbestos and satellite dishes have been destroyed by these animals,” he said.
Mkhwananzi said there was a need for land developers to ensure that when they allocate land to people, animals living in those areas are relocated to parks.
“We are appealing to the responsible authorities to ensure that when they are allocating land, they relocate the animals, which have been staying in those places, to game parks,” he said.
Ward 17 Councillor ,Sikhululekile Moyo said they have engaged relevant authorities who have promised to deal with the menace.
“We have engaged the Zimparks, Environmental Management Agency (EMA) and the Bulawayo City Council about this challenge and they promised to bring cages and remove these baboons,” said Councillor Moyo.
Online Reporter