Pupils abscond school in fear of baboons

A NUMBER of pupils from Paradzamwa and Murowa primary schools are absconding lessons in fear of being attacked by a troop of baboons that have been camping at mountains in Murowa in Zvishavane for over a month.

Murowa Ward 18 councillor Jacob Mvuto said the animals which alternate their camping sites at three mountains namely Jechete, Chivambo and Murowa had been a constant menace to the pupils as well as women residing in the nearby villages of Mvuto, Makapani, Sinde, Gandi Mugwagwa 1A and Pedzi.

The baboons are in the habit of chasing the pupils and women, tearing their clothes and grabbing any foodstuffs that might be at their disposal.

"These baboons are in the habit of running after young children and women and to tell you the truth they are causing havoc in this area. Recently they left one pupil from Paradzamwa undressed after tearing his uniform to shreds.

"They are also in the habit of chasing women and as a result of these constant attacks most children are now absconding school lessons and we fear that if a corrective measure is not urgently taken these animals might turn more violent leading to someone getting hurt or even dying," Clr Mvuto said.
He said the baboons had also left a trail of destruction at maize fields in the area as they devour both immature and mature cobs.

"I have talked to the Chief (Mazvihwa) and three headmen in the area about the issue and we organised to approach the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority to come and deal with these problematic baboons," Clr Mvuto said.

The Member for the National Assembly for Zvishavane-Runde constituency, Fred Moyo, confirmed receiving a report on the baboon attacks.

"The issue of the problematic baboons has reached me and as a leader who was ushered into Government by the people I will ensure that the situation is addressed by the relevant authorities as soon as possible because I believe there is nothing which concerns people that should be seen as trivial," he said.