adminAuxilia Katongomara Chronicle Reporter
A WOUNDED Buffalo trampled and killed a 68 year-old woman in Tsholotsho district in Matabeleland North province and later injured a four year-old girl in the same district.
The buffalo is suspected to have been wounded by poachers using spears.
Olivia Ndlovu was attacked on Monday and she died on Wednesday at Mpilo Central Hospital. On the day the woman died, the wounded buffalo also injured a four year old girl before it was killed by rangers.
“On the 19th of October after midday, a woman, Olivia Ndlovu, 68, was trampled by a buffalo in ward seven, Tsholotsho. Olivia had gone to collect cattle when the buffalo pounced on her. She broke a leg and an arm and some ribs,” said Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority Public Relations Manager, Caroline Washaya-Moyo.
“Olivia was taken to Pumula Hospital by a police vehicle that was patrolling in the area. She was later transferred to Tsholotsho that evening and then Mpilo Central Hospital the same evening. An x-ray was taken and other tests conducted. Sadly she died on Wednesday before receiving any treatment.”
Washaya-Moyo said game rangers who were patrolling the area tracked and killed the buffalo on Wednesday after it had attacked a four-year year old girl. She said the girl is admitted to Tsholotsho District Hospital and her left leg was fractured.
Tsholotsho Rural District Council is footing the girl’s medical expenses.
“Burial arrangements for Olivia are yet to be finalised but council and Safari operators in the area will take care of all expenses,” she said.
Washaya-Moyo said investigations have since revealed that the buffalo was wounded possibly by poachers, since it had spear wounds hence its violent behaviour.
Online Reporter