Bulawayo struggles with donkey menace in suburbs

Bulawayo City Council has expressed concern over a rising problem of donkeys roaming freely in several suburbs, including Cowdray Park, Pumula, and Magwegwe North, causing significant damage to residents' nutrition gardens.

According to recent council minutes, the donkeys mainly originate from nearby peri-urban areas such as St Peters and resettlement zones beyond Khami Prison Complex. Once they enter the city, the animals wander into residential areas, particularly affecting homes without proper security.

The council highlighted that a shortage of vehicles to return the animals to their original areas has exacerbated the situation.

"Donkeys are becoming a menace in the city, especially in suburbs close to peri-urban areas," the council stated. "The Lands Inspectorate is highly incapacitated to remove the donkeys due to transport challenges. The main utility vehicle for this purpose is currently parked at the council workshop for repairs."

The issue comes amid broader enforcement efforts in the city. Last month, a joint operation by council rangers, council security, and the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) in Greater Bulawayo targeted illegal mining, sand poaching, and wood harvesting. During the blitz, the authorities impounded two trucks and four scotch carts used in sand and wood poaching.

Additionally, 42 tickets were issued for various sand poaching offences, with 36 fines paid, generating US$2,216. A total of 54 surveillance patrols were conducted at illegal gold panning sites, including Mahatshula, Parklands, and parts of Emhlangeni. Three compressors, two generators, one jackhammer, and two manual pulleys were also confiscated, according to the minutes.

The council continues to appeal for resources and community cooperation to manage the donkey problem and maintain law and order in affected areas.