The game ranger, who died on Sunday after a black rhino attack in the Savé Valley Conservancy, had only recently tied the knot and leaves behind a wife who is expecting their first child.
Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZIMPARKS) spokesperson Tinashe Farawo, the now-deceased Knowledge Mudzimureka (28), and a fellow ranger were on routine patrol in the Savé Valley Conservancy when they unexpectedly came across a mother black rhino and her calf.
In a defensive reaction, the rhino cow charged, inflicting severe injuries to Mudzimureka’s abdomen, particularly his left lung, as well as his head, shoulder, and knee.
He was immediately airlifted by ACE Air Ambulance and underwent two major surgeries: the first to stabilise him on arrival, and the second to treat a critical lung infection.
Farawo added that despite initial signs of improvement and medical optimism, his condition suddenly deteriorated, leading to his death on Sunday afternoon.
In a statement, the Savé Valley Conservancy said that Mudzimureka grew up and lived on the edge of the Conservancy, right across from the boom-gate at Manyuchi Village. The statement reads:
The Savé Valley Conservancy is deeply saddened to announce that the ranger who was hit by a rhino on 26 May, Knowledge Mudzimureka, passed away on Sunday, 8 June.
Knowledge was a valued member of our team. He was 28 years old and was loved by his Ranger teammates.
He grew up and lived on the edge of the Conservancy, right across from the boom-gate at Manyuchi Village, where many of our Rangers come from.
He was just married on his last time off, and leaves his young wife with a baby on the way.
Thank you to everyone who has been with us on this difficult journey. We commend our team and the Rangers on the ground. As well as the staff at Health Point hospital. The burial will be held tomorrow at Manyuchi.
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