Problem buffalo shot dead

Villagers in Ward 18 of Tsholotsho have heaved a collective sigh of relief after a buffalo that had been terrorising the community was shot dead by rangers from the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (Zimparks).

Ward 18 councillor, David Mpala, revealed that the Nkunzi villagers had been living in constant fear due to the presence of the buffalo roaming dangerously close to their homes.

"We think it came from Ward 7 areas, but according to the rangers, it escaped from the game park," Mpala explained.

He added that the fear was compounded by circulating rumours that a woman in Mpanidziba village, also in Tsholotsho, had been killed by another buffalo.

Mpala further raised concerns about a worrying increase in the number of wild animals, including lions, frequently venturing into local communities in search of food and water.

"One of the major reasons these animals are escaping from the game park is because of the drought," he said, highlighting the environmental challenges facing the area.

The successful operation by Zimparks rangers to neutralize the buffalo has brought temporary relief, but residents remain cautious as wildlife-human conflicts are expected to continue unless long-term solutions are implemented.