Stray donkeys, thieves wreak havoc in Old Pumula

Residents of Old Pumula in Bulawayo say their hopes of a decent harvest are fading as stray donkeys and suspected maize thieves invade their fields, destroying crops meant to cushion families against worsening economic hardships.

The animals, often left unattended at night, reportedly roam into maize fields, trampling and feeding on crops, while thieves are said to sneak in under cover of darkness to steal maize cobs. For many residents, particularly the elderly, the losses pose a serious threat to food security and household survival.

Old Pumula borders peri-urban settlements such as Robert Sinyoka, St Peters and Hyde Park Estate, areas marked by limited infrastructure and scarce economic opportunities. Many residents depend on informal activities, including selling firewood transported by donkey-drawn scotch carts, to make ends meet.

Old Pumula Residents' chairman Francis Dube described the situation as alarming, saying complaints have been mounting.

"I receive many reports of donkeys sleeping in people's fields. One can only imagine the extent of the damage caused overnight," he said.

Dube also expressed concern over suspiciously cheap maize being sold locally, raising fears that it could be stolen produce.

"I have heard of vendors selling maize at US$1 for 10 cobs. It makes us question where they get it from, because no farmer can sell at such a price without making a loss," he said.

For elderly residents like Quandra Sibanda, the destruction has been devastating.

"It is heartbreaking. I cannot walk, but I bought maize seed and paid people to plough for me, hoping for a good harvest after the rains. Now all that hard work is being destroyed while we watch," she said, adding that stray donkeys have worsened the situation.

Pumula Youth Leadership Forum coordinator Givemore Mangena urged residents to avoid buying suspiciously cheap produce, warning that it fuels theft.

"When people buy cheap maize, they unknowingly support thieves. Those who did not plough are now harvesting from others. It is unfair, especially to the elderly who worked hard," he said.

Ward councillor Lazarus Mpandwe confirmed the problem, attributing it partly to poverty and hunger.

"Some steal because they are hungry, while others do it to sell. We have a serious problem and will engage residents this week to find solutions," he said.

Mpandwe added that many stray donkeys appear to have been abandoned.

"Some people use donkeys for transport and later dump them. These animals then stray into residential areas and destroy crops," he said.

Bulawayo Progressive Residents Association chairperson Winos Dube said the issue reflects weak enforcement of city by-laws.

"The city council's Parks department is responsible for dealing with stray animals. It must act urgently. We cannot have animals roaming freely in residential areas," he said.

He added that authorities must also address the theft decisively to protect vulnerable residents and safeguard community livelihoods.