Lone buffalo wreaks havoc

A buffalo attacked three villagers in Chipinge South last week before it was gunned down by Department of National Parks and Wildlife Management rangers.

Chipinge District police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Blessing Kadzuraumera confirmed the incident and said the attacked trio suffered various degrees of injuries.

He said Elise Ngopa sustained deep laceration on the back and was admitted at St Peter's Mission Hospital where her condition was reported to be serious.

"Elise and her mother, Lyna Mlambo, were walking to Mabhiza Bus Stop at around 6am when they came across the lone buffalo.

"The buffalo attacked Elise and she fell to the ground. Her mother rushed to hold its neck and this enabled her daughter to stand up.

"The two then managed to hold the buffalo's horns, while they called for help. An unidentified villager rushed to the scene and advised them to climb up trees. The buffalo briefly disappeared into the bush.

"When other villagers heard the noise, they rushed to the scene, but due to their noise, the buffalo charged towards them. They all managed to flee," he said.

Asst Insp Kadzuraumera said the buffalo galloped to a nearby homestead where it attacked Chenai Vhuka and her daughter, Tinotenda Sithole (2).

Chenai and Tinotenda did not sustain any visible injuries.

Police and rangers from the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Management from Chipangai managed to gun down the buffalo.

Asst Insp Kadzuraumera said rangers would be patrolling places like Musanhi River banks where three buffaloes were recently spotted. Another buffalo was spotted in Chisavanye Village.

Asst Insp Kadzuraumera urged people to avoid walking alone in bushy areas.