Zimpapers Logo

Daniel Chigunwe

Herald Correspondent

A man from Mbire district in Mashonaland Central died on Monday night after he was attacked by elephants while guarding his banana plats along Mwazamutanda river.

Kaitano Rabeka of Kanyemba under Chief Chapoto was found dead early Tuesday morning by a passer-by.

Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (Zimparks) spokesperson Mr Tinashe Farawo confirmed the tragic incident and expressed condolences to the bereaved family.

“I confirm receiving the report of the man, in his mid-60s, who died following an attack by an elephant in Kanyemba, our team is on the ground conducting investigations and our hearts go to the family of the deceased during this moment of bereavement,” he said.

He however reiterated the call for people to heed awareness campaigns by Zimparks to minimise fatal cases of human-wildlife conflict in the area.

“Our message remains clear in discouraging people from moving during the night, we implore that communities must heed our warnings so that we all play a proactive role in dealing with issues of human and wildlife conflict,” said Mr Farawo.

Meanwhile, Mbire legislator, Cde David Butau has called for a review of policies impacting human and wildlife conflict against the background of an El-Nino-induced drought.

“Once again the community of Ward 1 in Mbire is mourning the death of Cde Elder Rabeka,” he said.

“He has left an extended family without a breadwinner. The community has been calling for the review of the ZimParks, Problem Animal Control (PAC) framework.

“Campfire has worked well but a combination of climate change induced El Nino and constrained cash flow as a result of the imposed illegal sanctions should compel a review of how Mbire Rural District Council operates campfire programs.”