Zimparks kills two jumbos

Thupeyo Muleya

Beitbridge Bureau

Zimbabwe National Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) rangers have shot dead two elephants in Beitbridge as part of efforts to control a herd that has been destroying crops and posing a threat to villagers in the district over the past few weeks.

The affected communities are primarily located near major water bodies, including the Uzingwane, Limpopo, Bubi, and Mutetenwa rivers. The elephants, concentrated in the Zimbabwean component of the Greater Mapungubwe and Greater Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Areas (TFCAs), have not only destroyed crops but also endangered villagers, many of whom are now afraid to move around at night.

ZimParks spokesperson, Mr Tinashe Farawo, confirmed that teams were dispatched to assess the situation and take necessary action.

“So far, we have shot and killed two elephants in the Mutetenwa area of Beitbridge to control the herd that had been camped there for several days. Our teams will remain on the ground to monitor the situation in all hotspot areas where these elephants are commonly seen during this time of the year,” said Mr Farawo.

He added that ZimParks is conducting continuous campaigns to minimise human-wildlife conflicts.

“Our animals are overpopulated, and we must find ways to coexist while saving lives. We advise people in hotspot areas to avoid moving at night where possible. If they encounter elephants or other dangerous animals, they should give them space and immediately notify rangers in their respective areas,” Mr Farawo said.

Mr Jahson Mugodzwa, the Beitbridge Civil Protection Committee focal person, confirmed the ongoing issues, saying the committee had alerted both the Beitbridge Rural District Council (RDC) and ZimParks officials.

“We have received distress calls from villagers in Mzingwane, where elephants have destroyed several crop fields. Another herd is camped in Mutetenwa, and villagers are living in fear for their safety. As the Civil Protection Committee, we have informed the relevant departments who are already on the ground addressing the matter,” said Mr Mugodzwa.

He added that five teams of stakeholders dealing with wildlife have been deployed across the district to manage the situation.

Elephants have become a recurring threat to crops and villagers, particularly those living near water bodies such as the Shashe, Mzingwane, Bubi, and Limpopo rivers.

In separate interviews, villagers from the affected areas praised the local civil protection committee for its swift response in dispersing the wild animals.

“We are relieved as villagers because we were living in fear of being attacked by the elephants. Many have lost crops in their communal fields, leaving them vulnerable,” said Miss Remeketsi Mbedzi, a villager from Malala.