By Tatiana Mhararira
Villagers in rural Zvishavane are living in fear as hyenas continue to wreak havoc on local livestock. The hyenas have been attacking and devouring livestock in ward 8, which covers 24 villages from Welezi to Masvisvi.
One village head, Gladys Gwamatsa told TellZim News that the hyenas had been a problem for years, but their attacks have increased significantly since October last year.
The villagers are now afraid to leave their homes at night, fearing they might be attacked and were losing their primary source of income.
“The hyenas have been a problem for so many years but from the previous year in October up to now they are moving around at a high rate eating goats and chicken throughout the village and we have lost count of the animals we lost.
“We are living in fear as the hyenas are getting bolder and bolder, and our worry is that they will soon start attacking people. We can’t even go out of the house at night with fear of being attacked,” said Gwamatsa.
The situation is dire, with some villagers considering abandoning their homes to move to safer areas.
Speaking to TellZim News, Ward 8 councilor Stella Mlalazi said as a community they were appealing for assistance from responsible authorities.
“The hyenas have left many villagers without livestock as they are preying on their precious possessions and they are left with nothing.
“We appealed to Runde District Council who told the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZPWMA) to intervene and help control the hyena population. However, so far, no assistance has come. We call upon the authorities to deal with this problem before it’s too late,” said Mlalazi.
The situation was not unique to Zvishavane as similar reports were reported in Zaka district where hyenas were reportedly wandering in ward 24.
Headman Nheya born Runesu Cosmas Sananguro of Zaka said the hyenas were seen even during the day.
“The animals roam around every night in search of food. Some kraals (livestock enclosures) have been closed after they have devoured all the animals especially small livestock.
“Their combination with baboons and wild pigs could leave people with poverty as the other animals are destroying crops,” said Sananguro.
