A HWANGE resident, John Munzambwa, on Thursday morning died after he was attacked by an elephant while on his way to work.
Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management spokesperson Tinashe Farawo confirmed the incident, adding that officers were on the ground to investigate the matter.
“Yes, I can confirm that incident and our officers are currently on the ground to investigate the matter,” he said.
Greater Whange Residents Trust co-ordinator Fidelis Chima expressed sadness and concern over Munzambwa’s death, adding that the wildlife human conflict was becoming a worrying phenomenon in Hwange.
“We have lost John Munzambwa. He was tragically attacked by an elephant. It’s a shocking loss, and we are all in shock,” he said.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and loved ones during this difficult time. To his brother Pezhuba and family, may you find comfort in the Lord.”
Chima said Munzambwa was going to work at Open cast at around 6am when he was attacked.
“He was about to arrive when he came across an elephant that had a baby. He tried to flee, but unfortunately, the elephant chased him and trampled him,” he said.
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“As GWRT, we are worried by the increased number of human wildlife conflicts that are being worsened by coal mining projects.”
Hwange is one of the districts that suffers a serious crisis of wildlife-human conflict and many lives have been lost as a result of attacks by wild animals.
This is blamed on the closeness of the area to the Hwange National Park amid concerns that the animals roam from the park into residential communities in search of food and water.
