Herdboy (13) rescues calf from stray crocodile as human-wildlife conflict surges

NKAYI - A 13‑year‑old herdboy from Mkhubo village in Nkayi bravely rescued a calf from a violent stray crocodile, an incident that highlights the growing surge in human - wildlife conflict across Zimbabwe.

The juvenile, Makhosi Mpofu, was herding cattle in local pastures when he saw the crocodile attempting to attack a calf. He reportedly used a log to fend off the reptile before running to alert villagers.

In a statement, Matabeleland North police spokesperson Inspector Glory Banda confirmed that the three‑metre crocodile was later killed by a villager, 37‑year‑old Nhlalo Mpofu, after Makhosi raised the alarm.

"On 28 January 2026 at around 08:00 hours, a report of a stray crocodile was received at ZRP Nkayi to the effect that a crocodile about three metres long was struck to death with an axe by Nhlalo Mpofu of Mkhubo village," Banda said.

He said the incident began the previous evening when Makhosi encountered the crocodile while herding cattle.

"Makhosi Mpofu picked a log and tried to block the crocodile from attacking the calf, but the crocodile became violent. The juvenile ran to a nearby village and informed villagers, who rushed to the scene," Banda added.

Upon arrival, Nhlalo Mpofu struck the crocodile on the head with an axe, killing it instantly. Villagers secured the carcass until authorities were notified.

Police attended the scene together with Nkayi Rural District Council officials. The crocodile was later skinned and its remains disposed of by the Parks and Wildlife Management Authority in Bulawayo.

This incident comes just days after two boys aged eight and nine in Hlengani, Chiredzi, allegedly stoned a young crocodile to death at Machoka Stream before dragging it home as a trophy. Officials later collected the carcass.

Crocodiles are a protected species under Zimbabwean law and pose significant danger to communities living near rivers and wetlands.

Human–wildlife conflict (HWC) continues to escalate in Zimbabwe, particularly in areas bordering national parks and wildlife corridors. Key drivers include habitat loss, climate‑induced droughts, expanding human settlements, and increased competition for water sources.

Encroachment into wildlife habitats, changing weather patterns and rising human activity have pushed animals into human‑dominated areas, increasing the frequency of dangerous encounters.

Efforts to mitigate HWC include community‑based conservation initiatives such as CAMPFIRE, early‑warning technologies like geofencing, predator‑proof livestock enclosures, and chilli‑pepper fencing to deter elephants. Compensation schemes, wildlife research, and community education programmes also form part of the response.

The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks), working with communities, NGOs and other stakeholders, continues to implement sustainable wildlife management and community‑led conservation strategies to reduce conflict and promote coexistence.