By Meditation Mposi
As cases of human-wildlife conflict continue to soar, a fisherman from Monyoroka Village in Triangle recently died after being attacked by a hippopotamus at Mutirikwi River in Triangle recently.
The matter was confirmed by Masvingo Provincial Police Spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa who encouraged members of the public to avoid fishing in crocodile and hippo infested areas.
“I confirm the death of Felix Chitokisi (34) who was killed by a hippopotamus while fishing. We encourage the public to avoid fishing in places infested by crocodiles and hippos,” said Dhewa.
Circumstances are that on August 24 Chitokisi went to Mutirikwi River for fishing with his two friends. On arrival, they started fishing at different points but they could see each other.
One of Chitokisi’s friends Calisto Chiwenga (57), saw a hippopotamus coming from the water charging towards them and alerted his friends. They all ran away in different directions going back to the village.
Upon arrival in the village, Chiwenga and the other friend noticed that Chitokisi had not yet arrived.
They mobilized other villagers and went back to the river to search for Chitokisi but could not find him.
The next day they returned to the river to continue with the search and found Chitokisi’s body floating in the water. His body was injured with cuts on the stomach, arms and back.
As human population continues to grow, agriculture and infrastructure development, continues up the ladder and climate change impacts continue to be felt, cases of human wildlife conflict are becoming more frequent.
In 2023, a Zaka couple and their son were left badly injured after being severely attacked by a clan of hyenas in Bota communal lands. Robert Maroyi was mauled on the face and head while his wife Muchanyara Munoda was mauled on the hands and lost both palms.Their son Rwatiringa Maroyi was also attacked and sustained injuries.
In 2020, it was reported that twenty people died after being attacked by wild animals across the country, while several others were injured.
Most of the fatalities were recorded in communities near wildlife habitats where animals increasingly come in contact with humans after straying in search of water and food while in some cases animals stray from their habitats as people vandalize perimeter fences of such areas.
Communities in wildlife rich areas around Chiredzi District have been living between a rock and a hard place due to constant battles with animals that encroach into their villages in search of food and water destroying their crops resulting in hunger and starvation among people.
Speaking in parliament in September, Masvingo Senator Sam Chapfudza highlighted the ballooning elephant population which has surpassed Hwange National Park’s carrying capacity by a significant margin.
According to Chapfudza, the elephant population in Hwange had gone up from 15 000, the designated limit to a staggering 65 000. This overpopulation has resulted in elephants venturing outside the parks boundaries, destroying crops and endangering villagers.
He lamented the tragic loss of life caused by these encounters, leaving children orphaned and families shattered.
