Jumbos ravage maize fields

Zim Now Writer

Elephants are wreaking havoc in Kenilworth ward 19, Headquarters ward 21 and Nkenyane ward 10 of Bubi, Matabeleland North Province, destroying crops, with farmers losing almost all their crop to the marauding herd.

The herd of about 50 jumbos, believed to have come from forestlands under the Forestry Commission in Gwamba and Debsharn, has literally been camped in the area for the past few days.

The farmers have resorted to spending whole nights guarding their fields.

Zimbabwe Wildlife Management Authority of Zimbabwe rangers were dispatched to drive away the elephants.

They shot and killed two that were deemed problem animals although the villagers still fear the jumbos might return further threatening their lives and crops.

As a result, people are taking the risk of sleeping in the fields, guarding crops.

Rangers from Dollar Block Farm used to help the community by driving away the elephants.

Bubi Rural District Council chief executive officer, Dr Patson Mlilo, said several villagers had lost their crops.

“They usually come at night after rangers would have knocked off. This year, they invaded many areas but the worst affected are wards 19 in Kenilworth and ward 21 in Headquarters as well as Nkenyane area. During the day, they will be hiding in Dollar Block Farm where they know they are safe and come out at night. We thank ZimParks who came and shot two and we hope they will go away,” he said.