Kariba woman killed by elephant

Tragedy struck the resort town of Kariba yesterday morning when a woman was trampled to death by an elephant while walking from Heights to Mahombekombe on her way to church.

The woman, who was accompanied by her child and niece, was attacked near the Heights Y Junction, where the elephant suddenly appeared and cornered the trio. She tried to flee but was caught and fatally trampled.

Her companions and several residents later discovered her body covered in deep scars. The remains were taken to Kariba Hospital mortuary by community members and local authorities.

Kariba Urban Residents Association spokesperson Samson Coffee said the community was devastated by the continuing human-wildlife conflicts that have claimed many lives in the area.

"We understand Kariba is an animal-infested area, so we must exercise caution, but sometimes people have no choice because transport is unavailable. We are deeply hurt for losing such an important and decision-making person in the health sector in Kariba," he said.

In a separate incident, a man was attacked by a crocodile while fishing at Muchenga Fishing Camp in Gache Gache on Friday. The victim, whose name has not yet been released, was dragged from his dinghy into the water, and has not been seen since.

Search operations involving police, ZimParks, and local residents are underway to locate his body.

Gache Gache Fishing Camp chairperson Tichaona Manzungu described the loss as heartbreaking.

"He was a dedicated fisherman who loved the lake. To lose him to a crocodile in the very waters he trusted is a tragedy for the entire community," he said.

"Our thoughts are with his family, and we urge anyone with information to come forward to help prevent further loss."

Human-wildlife conflict remains a serious issue in Zimbabwe, particularly around Kariba and the Zambezi Valley. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), between 2010 and 2019, there were 84 recorded elephant-related incidents, resulting in 22 deaths.

Crocodile attacks are also frequent along Lake Kariba, home to one of the largest populations of Nile crocodiles in Southern Africa.

Authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant, especially in wildlife-prone zones, and to avoid travelling on foot in early mornings or late evenings when animal activity is highest.