By Upenyu Silent Chaota
A sombre mood engulfed the Mazare community of Gutu under chief Musara this week as crocodiles that were terrorising the area since last year attacked and killed a 16 year old boy Shingirirai Mangwengwe who was herding cattle on Monday.
On the fateful day, Mangwengwe who was protecting his herd from getting to the river where crocs have been marauding decided to stand by the river side which led to the crocodile attacking him from behind.
The crocodile pulled him into the water and consumed half of his body. The remains of his body were found the following day floating on top of water.
Villagers are blaming the department and National Parks and Wildlife Management for not taking action when the villagers reported about these cunning crocodiles.
“We reported this matter a long time ago but the National Parks was relaxed and never took any action. The crocodiles have been attacking our cattle but it was better than now as we have lost a human life. I hope they will be moved out of their comfort zone”, said Takunda Rutanga before breaking into tears.
“We are now living in constant fear since we are no longer certain of what will happen to us. How many people must die before they take action,” lamented Rutanga.
Just recently Tell Zimbabwe carried a story about crocodiles terrorizing Mazare villagers but Parks spokesperson Caroline Washaya Moyo said they were not going to remove crocodiles unless they enter in to houses.
Chief Bonface Musara said it was high time Parks intervened to serve human life.local
