Zimbili farmers struggle with hyena attacks

By Sibonginkosi Mpala  

Farmers in Zimbili Village, Umzingwane District, are facing a growing crisis as hyena attacks on livestock escalate, resulting in significant losses for the community.

The attacks, which began in 2021, have become a growing concern for the community.

Among those affected are a Community Care Worker- Cecilia Ncube, and the Village Development Committee (VIDCO) chairperson – Wilson Mpala, both of whom have lost valuable livestock in recent incidents.

The attacks typically occur between 10 PM and midnight, and what puzzles villagers the most is that the hyenas do not eat the animals they kill.

Ncube, who has lost five goats on different occasions, described the distress of finding her animals slain yet left uneaten.

“I woke up several times to find one or two of my goats lying dead, but none had been eaten,” she said. 

“Each time, it felt like a blow. These goats are my livelihood, and now I’m left with only a few.”

Similarly, Mpala recounted how he lost one of his sheep.

“It’s not just about losing an animal; it’s the shock of finding it killed with its remains still there,” he explained.

“These hyenas aren’t acting like typical predators. They just kill and leave the animals behind.”

READ more about Hyenas: https://www.awf.org/wildlife-conservation/hyena

Some farmers have started reinforcing their enclosures and keeping their animals locked up at night to protect their livestock.

However, these precautions have not been entirely successful in preventing further losses.

Thomas Bhebhe, another local farmer, expressed frustration over the situation.

“We’re doing everything we can to protect our animals, but nothing seems to stop these hyenas,” he said.

“We’re left wondering when the next attack will come and how much more we can lose.”

With the ongoing losses, farmers in Zimbili are calling for urgent intervention from local authorities and wildlife experts to help address the growing threat to their livelihoods.

This story was produced as part of the CITE Youth Network training program, which aims to empower young women in rural communities with digital skills, enhancing their ability to create and share community news.