Zim Parks shoots dead Gutu terror croc

Bridget Mabanda

Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority shot and killed one of the crocodiles which has been terrorising Chiguhune villagers in Ward 2, Gutu West.

Gutu Rural District Council chairman, who is also the Councillor for Gutu West, ward 2, Nicholas Zambara applauded ZimParks for responding quickly to the villagers’ call.

“I called the Gutu Rural District Council environment department who then called Masvingo ZimParks who quickly rushed to Chivake River where two people were attacked on different occasions. On their arrival, they stayed near the river for one day. On day two, around 1700hours, that is when they shot it dead,” he said.

The carcass was taken to ZimParks Masvingo.

He added that the crocodiles have been terrorizing villagers for many years.

“The one that has been killed is not the only one, they are many is pools. These pools do not dry up throughout the year,” he said.

He said the first victim was accompanying schoolchildren to Chikwiza when he was attacked.

He had managed to help the children cross, but was attacked when he tried to cross back on his way home, sustaining some injuries.

He fought back with a machete he had carried for defence.

The second victim only identified as Chuwe was reportedly fishing, when he was attacked. He reportedly held the reptile’s mouth with his hands and managed to escape though with serious injuries.

According to Clr Zambara, Chuwe was seriously injured but did not break any bone. He was rushed to Gweru Provincial Hospital for medical attention.

ZimParks spokesperson, Tinashe Farawo declined comment.

ZimParks is currently struggling to compensate victims of wildlife attacks in the wake of increased human-wildlife conflicts and is in the process of establishing a relief fund to help victims.

In 2021, 71 deaths and 50 injuries were recorded, compared to 60 deaths and 40 injuries in 2020.