By Andrew Zhou
Masvingo Human-wildlife conflict continues to plague villagers in the Mushandike area after four people, including a nine-year-old girl and a 64-year-old woman, were attacked by a jackal while gathering firewood in a nearby woodland.
The victims, all from Mukonde area three from Village 21 and one from Village 22 in Ward 10, Masvingo West Constituency sustained varying degrees of injury and were admitted to Bhuka Clinic for treatment.
Ward 10 Councillor Junior Charumbira confirmed the attack and identified the victims as Josta Chadiva (64) of Village 21, Elizabeth Chengeta (9) of Village 21, Angeline Tachiona (64) of Village 22, and Netsai Zinhumwe (59) of Village 21. Councilor Charumbira appealed for urgent assistance to ensure the victims receive proper medical treatment to prevent complications and the potential spread of rabies.
Yes, I can confirm this deeply worrying incident that happened in my ward. Among the injured is a young child who is nine years old, and the families are struggling to cover medical expenses.
“I also heard that there are other men who were attacked by these jackals last week and did not report the incident. We appeal to well-wishers, authorities, and health institutions to step in and assist these villagers, said Charumbira.
Councilor Charumbira further stated that the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZIMPARKS) had not responded promptly to calls for help. He reported that officials eventually arrived at the scene in the middle of the night without torches and left without taking significant action.
“I wasted my airtime calling ZIMPARKS; they were not responding in time. They later came to the scene without a torch in the middle of the night. Other medical crew were not treating patients with care. The victims were asked to pay 25 United States dollars for treatment at Masvingo General Hospital,” said Charumbira.
The councilor expressed growing concern over the increasing frequency of dangerous wildlife encounters in the area, which pose a serious threat to both human safety and livestock, citing ongoing issues with hyenas and jackals.
Villagers suspect that dwindling food sources and habitat loss in the nearby Mushandike Conservancy may be forcing wild animals to venture closer to human settlements. Councilor Charumbira urged ZIMPARKS to take swift and effective action to prevent further attacks.
“I encourage ZIMPARKS to take swift action to control these wild animals, which are giving us sleepless nights in our community by attacking our livestock and the villagers,” said Charumbira.
Contacted for comment by TellZim News, ZIMPARKS Spokesperson Tinashe Farawo said he had not yet received a report from the local parks office and promised to respond once he obtained further details.
The latest incident underscores the urgent need for improved measures to address human-wildlife conflict in Masvingo Province, where similar cases have been reported in recent months.
rovince, where similar cases have been reported in recent months.
