Hwange Man Trampled To Death By Elephant On Way To Work

A Hwange man was on Thursday morning trampled to death by a rampaging bull elephant on his way to work.

The victim, identified as John Munzabwa of Lusumbani Village (Number Five), was pronounced dead at the scene.

Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Authority (ZimParks) spokesperson Tinashe Farawo confirmed the tragic incident, adding that game rangers have been dispatched to the area to carry out further investigations. He said:

“We have received an unfortunate incident where a person has been killed by an elephant in Hwange.

“Our rangers have been deployed to further carry out investigations.”

According to Fidelis Chima, chairperson of the Greater Hwange Residents Association, the attack occurred at around 6:00 AM as Munzabwa was walking to relieve a colleague at the open cast mine. Said Chama:

“The deceased person was actually walking to work early in the morning… when he was charged by an elephant that had a baby.”

Chima explained that the open cast mine is situated in an urban area, close to Lusumbani Number Five, and within walking distance for many residents.

He also said fatalities are rising, not only from elephant attacks but also from crocodiles and other wild animals.

Local residents believe that the growing conflict between humans and wildlife is being fuelled by intensified mining activity in the area, which is disrupting the animals’ natural migratory routes.

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