By Staff Reporter
Residents of Jerera, Zaka, are calling for urgent action to address the issue of stray pigs roaming the streets, causing damage and disruption to crops.
There are reports that the pigs have been knocking over market stalls, damaging property, and destroying crops in both the central business district and residential areas.
Ward 19 Councilor Albert Mazvanya confirmed the problem, stating that the pigs belong to one individual who has failed to secure them.
“The pigs are wreaking havoc, eating and destroying gardens. They belong to former Zaka Police Officer Jonah Mtisi. We have engaged him to ensure he removes them from the growth point,” Mazvanya said.
He added that the pigs roam freely, targeting the marketplace where they eat vendors’ goods and overturn bins.
“They also dig holes under fences and perimeter walls to enter yards, where they eat crops and dig up flowers,” Mazvanya explained.
When contacted by TellZim News, Mtisi acknowledged the situation and said he is in the process of collecting the pigs in batches.
He explained that the pigs strayed after he was transferred to Mkwasine, where he struggled to manage them due to his workers’ negligence.
“It’s true, the pigs are mine. I had an accident at work in 2019 and was later transferred. Because of that, I couldn’t manage the project, and my workers would let them out since I wasn’t around,” Mtisi said.
“When they’re not controlled, they breed excessively, which is why there are so many in Jerera.”
Mtisi also revealed that his home was destroyed by Cyclone Idai in Chimanimani, forcing him to prioritize securing a new place to live and covering medical expenses after his discharge.
“The little I had went to medical bills and a new home. Now, I’ve finished building a house and am constructing pigsties. I’m collecting the pigs in batches from Jerera.
“So far, I’ve collected 50 and am trying to speed up the process. I’m also building temporary shelters to clear them faster,” he said.
Mtisi appealed to organizations and individuals interested in starting piggery projects to approach him and purchase the pigs, which would help accelerate the removal.
“If there are organizations or individuals who need them, they can come and get a good breed. This would also help me clear them faster,” he said.
