Residents of Old Pumula in Bulawayo are watching their hopes of a decent harvest vanish as stray donkeys and maize thieves invade their fields, destroying crops meant to cushion families against worsening economic hardships.
The animals, often left unattended at night, roam freely into maize fields, trampling and feeding on crops, while thieves reportedly sneak in under the cover of darkness to steal maize cobs. For many residents, especially the elderly, the losses threaten their food security and survival.
Old Pumula lies on the edge of peri-urban settlements such as Robert Sinyoka, St Peters and Hyde Park Estate, areas characterised by limited infrastructure and scarce economic opportunities. Many residents rely on informal activities, including selling firewood transported by donkey-drawn scotch carts, to earn a living.
Old Pumula Residents’ chairman, Francis Dube, said complaints have been mounting, describing the situation as alarming.
“I receive many reports of donkeys sleeping in people’s fields. One can only imagine the extent of the damage caused overnight,” said Dube.
He also raised concerns over suspiciously cheap maize being sold in the area, fuelling suspicions of theft.
“I have heard of vendors selling maize at US$1 for 10 cobs. It makes us question where they get it from, because no farmer can sell at such a price without making a loss,” he said.
For elderly residents like Quandra Sibanda, the destruction has been devastating.
“It is heartbreaking. I cannot walk, but I bought maize seed and paid people to plough for me, hoping for a good harvest after the rains. Now all that hard work is being destroyed while we watch,” she said.
She added that stray donkeys have worsened the situation and expressed hope that community leaders would intervene.
Pumula Youth Leadership Forum coordinator, Givemore Mangena, urged residents to stop buying suspiciously cheap produce, saying it encourages theft.
“When people buy cheap maize, they unknowingly support thieves. Those who did not plough are now harvesting from others. It is unfair, especially to the elderly who worked hard,” he said.
Ward councillor Lazarus Mpandwe confirmed the problem, attributing it partly to poverty and hunger.
“Some steal because they are hungry, while others do it to sell. We have a serious problem and will engage residents this week to find solutions,” said Mpandwe.
He also noted that many stray donkeys appear to have been abandoned.
“Some people use donkeys for transport and later dump them. These animals then stray into residential areas and destroy crops,” he said.
Bulawayo Progressive Residents Association (BPRA) chairperson, Winos Dube, said the issue reflects weak enforcement of city by-laws.
“The city council’s Parks department is responsible for dealing with stray animals. It must act urgently. We cannot have animals roaming freely in residential areas,” he said.
He added that law enforcement must also address the theft.
“Those stealing from residents’ fields must face the law. Authorities must act decisively to protect communities,” said Dube.
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