Zimparks rangers take on Pumula South baboons:

Mashudu Mambo
A TEAM from the Zimbabwe National Parks and Wildlife Authority (ZimParks) has been deployed in Pumula South suburb in Bulawayo to control and capture marauding baboons that have been terrorising residents.

Ward 17 Councillor Sikhululekile Moyo said the deployment of the rangers has brought hope to the residents.
“As residents of Pumula, we are pleased that our petition received some positive response from the Zimparks and the Bulawayo City Council. On Tuesday, we had a successful meeting with the two stakeholders who brought in cages to trap these animals. These cages have been set up in the Eqaqeni area,” she said.

Councilor Moyo indicated that the rangers were camping in the area for a week to try and solve this problem.
“The rangers are camping in the area for a week and we are hopeful that by the time they leave all the baboons will be trapped and relocated,” she said.

She stated that the baboons have caused challenges that entail stealing and attacking children.

“These baboons have made our lives miserable to the point that a number of residents are afraid to do farming in fear that these baboons will steal or destroy their produce.

“These animals steal food from houses, abuse children on the streets and damage property in our houses. We have cases of people who got hurt after having some encounters with these animals, especially informal traders,” she said.

A resident, Bhekimpilo Tshuma stated that they were happy with the response to their petition and they were hopeful that the rangers will restore normalcy in the area.