News / Local
Hungry baboon attacks, strangles man
15 Apr 2016 at 02:04hrs | Views
A 33-YEAR-OLD Chipinge man will count himself lucky to be alive after being strangled by a baboon he was chasing away while guarding a maize field last Saturday.
Manica Post reported that witnesses said Willard Chigwidi of Mashiri Village under Headman Hanganyi was involved in a scuffle with the wild animal as he tried to chase it away from the field.
Narrating what transpired Chigwidi's wife, Violet, said the baboon charged at him and strangled him.
Chigwidi bravely wrestled the baboon. He was rescued by other villagers.
"The incident happened when my husband tried to chase the baboons that had invaded our field. While some of the baboons ran away, one big baboon advanced towards him. It went for his throat and my husband bravely wrestled with the animal.
"I rushed to call for help from other villagers who came to his rescue. The villagers were armed with logs and managed to kill the baboon," she said.
Efforts to get a comment from Chigwidi who had been admitted at Chipinge District Hospital were fruitless.
When The Manica Post visited the hospital he had been discharged.
Chipinge District police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Blessing Kadzuraumera, said they had not received the report.
Headman Hanyani confirmed the incident and warned villagers of marauding baboons that are invading farms and homes looking for food.
"Chigwidi and other villagers were brave enough to fight the baboon that almost killed him.
"He also has his wife to thank after she raised alarm resulting in other villagers coming to his rescue.
"After being rescued, Chigwidi who sustained deep cuts was rushed to the hospital.
"Baboons frequently raid our fields and homes in search of food. Hunger is affecting both people and wild animals here," said Headman Hanyani.
Manica Post reported that witnesses said Willard Chigwidi of Mashiri Village under Headman Hanganyi was involved in a scuffle with the wild animal as he tried to chase it away from the field.
Narrating what transpired Chigwidi's wife, Violet, said the baboon charged at him and strangled him.
Chigwidi bravely wrestled the baboon. He was rescued by other villagers.
"The incident happened when my husband tried to chase the baboons that had invaded our field. While some of the baboons ran away, one big baboon advanced towards him. It went for his throat and my husband bravely wrestled with the animal.
"I rushed to call for help from other villagers who came to his rescue. The villagers were armed with logs and managed to kill the baboon," she said.
Efforts to get a comment from Chigwidi who had been admitted at Chipinge District Hospital were fruitless.
When The Manica Post visited the hospital he had been discharged.
Chipinge District police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Blessing Kadzuraumera, said they had not received the report.
Headman Hanyani confirmed the incident and warned villagers of marauding baboons that are invading farms and homes looking for food.
"Chigwidi and other villagers were brave enough to fight the baboon that almost killed him.
"He also has his wife to thank after she raised alarm resulting in other villagers coming to his rescue.
"After being rescued, Chigwidi who sustained deep cuts was rushed to the hospital.
"Baboons frequently raid our fields and homes in search of food. Hunger is affecting both people and wild animals here," said Headman Hanyani.
Source - Manica Post
