The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZIMPARKS) has put down three elephants following a herd’s incursion into villages in Bulilima District, Matabeleland South Province, where they destroyed drying crops and posed a serious threat to local livelihoods.
The elephants were shot by ZIMPARKS rangers on Thursday, 26 June 2025, in Madlambudzi Ward.
The three culled elephants were leading the herd and had become a persistent menace, repeatedly invading farmlands in search of food.
The animals had discovered an easy food source in the drying harvests of smallholder farmers.
The herd was initially sighted late Wednesday afternoon between Mafa and Khandamhlophe villages, moving through fields toward the Thekwane River.
Local authorities believe the elephants are under severe water stress, with Maitengwe Dam, their primary water source, currently damaged.
The dam’s walls were compromised during the last rainy season, rendering it unusable. An estimated US$500,000 is required to rehabilitate the dam.
Most of the elephants invading the area are believed to be migrating from Hwange National Park, Tsholotsho, and even neighbouring Botswana.
Bulilima Rural District Council Chief Executive Officer, Mr Biliati Mulauzi, said they are making efforts to address the escalating human-wildlife conflict and ensure the safety of both residents and wildlife. Said Mulauzi:
In collaboration with the Safari Operator and ZIMPARKS, we managed to drive them away although in the process, three elephants were shot yesterday (Thursday).
We suspect the elephants are coming from Hwange National Park, Tsholotsho and even Botswana.
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