Story by Tichaona Kurewa
A 54-year-old man has been killed in an elephant attack in Hwange District, as concerns mount over rising human-wildlife conflict in the region.
The victim, Mr Alfred Ngwenya of Makomborero Village under Chief Shana, died on Friday following an encounter with an elephant, leaving the community in shock and fear.
His death comes weeks after a similar fatal incident in Nkayi District in April, revealing a growing pattern of deadly encounters between people and wildlife.
Grief-stricken villagers say the attacks are becoming increasingly difficult to manage.
“We do not know what steps to take anymore. We are running out of solutions,” a villager said.
“We have lost someone dear to us… ” We appeal for help from the authorities,” another added.
Local leaders warn that wildlife is increasingly encroaching into communities, destroying crops, and endangering lives.
Village Head Makombororo Village 4, Mr Felilizwe N’onzi, said: “We value wildlife, but the animals are no longer confined to the parks. They invade our villages, destroy our crops, and attack people.”
Hwange RDC Ward 5 Councillor, Peggy Africa Ncube, called for urgent dialogue among stakeholders: “Life is precious and should not be lost this way.”
Government says measures are being implemented to mitigate the crisis. Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, Dr Evelyn Ndlovu, said a new policy framework includes the establishment of a compensation and mitigation trust fund.
“We are engaging communities to support and promote this initiative,” she said.
The incident highlights the persistent challenge of balancing conservation and community safety. More than 60 people were killed in wildlife-related incidents across Zimbabwe last year.
Experts attribute the surge in conflict partly to a growing elephant population, now estimated at over 80 000, double the land’s carrying capacity, intensifying competition for water and space between wildlife and rural communities.
