Thekwane villagers in Plumtree, Matabeleland South, are living in fear as a rogue herd of elephants continues to roam their area, particularly around Dombodema Road.
Despite joint efforts with safari operators to drive the animals away, the elephants persist in encroaching on private properties, leaving residents on edge.
Villagers who spoke to CITE on condition of anonymity expressed frustration over the situation, citing that the efforts they have made thus far to drive away the elephants have been fruitless.
“The biggest challenge is farmers who own private properties are uncomfortable with us entering their spaces to chase the elephants away. They fear that if one elephant is shot, people from Plumtree town may flock into their properties to claim the meat,” one of the villagers explained.
“When we go to Thekwane, the elephants don’t show up, but as soon as we leave, they return. When we track their spoor, it leads us to private properties, and we have no choice but to withdraw.”
Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority’s Head of Corporate Communications, Tinashe Farawo, said they have not received any reports about the elephants in Plumtree.
“We have not yet received any reports about the issue, but it may be possible that it was reported to the Rural District Council (RDC). We encourage communities to report such cases either to the RDC, traditional leaders, councillors or headmen, as they can assist in handling the matter. Some RDCs have been given the authority to manage human-wildlife conflict in those areas,” Farawo said.
He urged villagers to notify Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority directly, assuring them of a quick response.
“I also want to raise awareness among our communities to minimize movements at night in those areas, as most wildlife, including elephants, tends to move during that time,” he said.
