Tensions are rising between residents of Robert Sinyoka and neighbouring Old Pumula after several donkeys were allegedly stabbed to death, in a dispute linked to crop destruction.
The incident follows complaints from Old Pumula residents last week that roaming donkeys were invading maize fields, trampling crops and threatening food security amid Zimbabwe’s worsening economic conditions.
Two donkeys were reported dead and another critically injured. Owners in Robert Sinyoka say the killings have left them devastated and struggling to protect their livelihoods.
Sibongile Khumalo, one of the affected owners, said she had worked in South Africa to buy the animals.
“I bought these donkeys from someone in Pumula and have been using them for farming purposes and for fetching water because we also breed chickens, so we fetch water for them using a donkey-drawn cart,” she said.
She described the killing as inhumane.
“I would rather the person who found my donkey destroying their crops had reported the matter to me. I would have paid for the damage caused instead of attacking an animal,” said Khumalo.
Her daughter, Priviledge Moyo, said the family searched for their missing donkey for several days before discovering it had been stabbed.
“We searched for our donkey from Monday last week without success. A neighbour later told us that he had found his donkey stabbed. We also found ours stabbed, and it later succumbed to its injuries,” she said.
She added that attempts to report the matter had been delayed.
“I went to report the matter at the police station but was told that the officer responsible for stock theft cases was unavailable. I am still waiting for him,” said Moyo.
Another resident, Hlanganani Sibanda, said his pregnant donkey was killed while inside its kraal.
“My pregnant donkey was killed around 3pm while it was in its kraal. It was not in anyone’s field, and it was almost due,” he said.
Sibanda said he now has only one donkey left, making it difficult to continue earning a living through carting firewood, ploughing and fetching water.
In Old Pumula, some residents say frustration has been mounting over repeated crop damage. One resident, who identified herself only as Masuku, said although harming animals was wrong, tensions were high.
“Often, when we find animals in the fields, we drive them away and try to locate the rightful owner. However, when owners see you approaching with their animal, they sometimes become defensive, use offensive language, and even threaten you,” she said.
She alleged that donkey owners argue that some maize fields are being cultivated in designated grazing areas.
Robert Sinyoka residents’ chairperson Saison Maseko confirmed the deaths and said affected residents had been advised to report the matter to the police.
“Two donkeys were reported dead while one was critically injured. I advised the affected residents to report the matter at the police station, but I have not yet received feedback,” he said.
He added that a community meeting had been held, where donkey owners were urged to keep their animals in kraals after use to prevent them from straying into crop fields.
Ward 19 councillor Lazarus Mpandwe called for calm, warning that the dispute could escalate if not resolved.
“Donkey owners must ensure their herders keep animals away from crop fields, because this will continue to cause clashes between the two communities. The situation appears to be escalating,” he said.
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