News / Local
Tree dweller 'freaks out' residents
19 Feb 2014 at 13:26hrs | Views
A MAN who spends several hours perched atop a tree in a Bulawayo suburb is freaking out residents.
Police have been asked to do a background check on the oddball who identified himself as Davis Moyo when Chronicle news crew visited his vantage position on a hill in Cowdray Park yesterday.
The middle-aged man has been seen in the trees for several hours daily over the last two months, say locals.
"This man could be robbing residents who pass by this place. He's dangerous and I don't trust him," said Gracious Chandida, a resident of the suburb about 12km north-west of the city centre.
She added: "He eats and sleeps in the tree and even relieves himself in the bushes around that hill. Sometimes he removes his clothes and sits up there undressed."
Godknows Ncube, a father, said a lot of people in the neighbourhood were scared to pass through the area.
"He can see you from a distance and plot to attack you once you get close. People are now scared to pass through that place because they fear the man might attack them," Ncube said.
"Police have also warned residents to avoid the area because many people have been robbed there."
Moyo, talking to our news crew from above, said the tree was his "temple".
"This is my temple. I pray here and enjoy every moment without anyone disturbing me," he said.
Asked if he was not scared of falling, he replied: "It's been long since I started living in this tree. I won't fall because I'm used to the branches. They're now comfortable."
Moyo claimed to have a house in Cowdray Park, but would not share the address.
"I used to live in Cowdray Park before I decided to stay here. This place is isolated and no-one disturbs my prayer sessions," he said.
"This tree is my place for relaxation because no one disturbs me."
But Moyo - who appeared calm and composed - then suddenly stopped answering questions from reporters.
At the foot of the tree were some personal belongings which appeared like sheets and blankets rolled together.
Locals said he had been a permanent sight in the trees for the last two months, and some fear he has mental health problems.
"He could be possessed by an evil spirit, perhaps that of a bird or a monkey," said Maggie Gumbo, who led our news crew to the tree.
"I first saw the man in early January this year and I ran away thinking that he would attack me. Later, I realised that he was residing at the tree."
Police have been asked to do a background check on the oddball who identified himself as Davis Moyo when Chronicle news crew visited his vantage position on a hill in Cowdray Park yesterday.
The middle-aged man has been seen in the trees for several hours daily over the last two months, say locals.
"This man could be robbing residents who pass by this place. He's dangerous and I don't trust him," said Gracious Chandida, a resident of the suburb about 12km north-west of the city centre.
She added: "He eats and sleeps in the tree and even relieves himself in the bushes around that hill. Sometimes he removes his clothes and sits up there undressed."
Godknows Ncube, a father, said a lot of people in the neighbourhood were scared to pass through the area.
"He can see you from a distance and plot to attack you once you get close. People are now scared to pass through that place because they fear the man might attack them," Ncube said.
"Police have also warned residents to avoid the area because many people have been robbed there."
Moyo, talking to our news crew from above, said the tree was his "temple".
Asked if he was not scared of falling, he replied: "It's been long since I started living in this tree. I won't fall because I'm used to the branches. They're now comfortable."
Moyo claimed to have a house in Cowdray Park, but would not share the address.
"I used to live in Cowdray Park before I decided to stay here. This place is isolated and no-one disturbs my prayer sessions," he said.
"This tree is my place for relaxation because no one disturbs me."
But Moyo - who appeared calm and composed - then suddenly stopped answering questions from reporters.
At the foot of the tree were some personal belongings which appeared like sheets and blankets rolled together.
Locals said he had been a permanent sight in the trees for the last two months, and some fear he has mental health problems.
"He could be possessed by an evil spirit, perhaps that of a bird or a monkey," said Maggie Gumbo, who led our news crew to the tree.
"I first saw the man in early January this year and I ran away thinking that he would attack me. Later, I realised that he was residing at the tree."
Source - chronicle
