Man survives buffalo attack

By Whinsley Masara

A man survived a buffalo attack while herding cattle after about 50 buffalo strayed from the Hwange National Park due to the destruction of the animal sanctuary’s perimeter fence.

Qhaba Thebe, 35, of Thokozani Village in Sipepa under Chief Mathuphula in Tsholotsho, suffered deep cuts on his thighs after the attack on Monday at around 4PM.

Thebe was rushed to Kapane Clinic and is now recovering at home.

Tsholotsho Campfire manager, Simelisizwe Sibanda, said a herd of about 50 buffaloes strayed into Ngamo and Thokozani villages on Monday.

“Our major challenge is that villagers steal the national park boundary fence and then later on suffer the invasion by these wild animals.

“A herd of about 40 to 50 buffaloes strayed into the village after fencing was removed.

“We got a report that one villager was attacked on Monday,” said Sibanda.

He said by removing the national park’s perimeter fence, villagers were exposing themselves to danger.

Ngamo Village head, Johnson Ncube, said Thebe was lucky to be alive.

“We called Campfire and National Parks teams who are on the ground right now trying to see how best they can deal with these animals.

“Villagers live in fear as buffalo, lions and elephants have invaded their villages. Buffalo now move with cattle as if it’s normal, when in fact they’re very dangerous to humans,” said Ncube.

Chief Mathuphula said their problems were exacerbated by the fact that animals are moving in search of food due to the drought.

“The issues here can’t be solved overnight as they’re products of colonial policy which caused people to move to these dry areas, next to game parks.

“We’ve problems with animals in this dry land as animals are always in transit in search of water,” said chief Mathuphula.

“We’re however thankful to the government for the Campfire reaction team under the district council, which purchased vehicles and ammunition, and provided rangers who’re working tirelessly to save lives. We’re pleading for continued assistance in protecting villages in the national park.” The Chronicle