Antony Chawagarira
ZAKA – Residents in Ward 24 under Chief Bota in Zaka District have been placed on high alert following sightings of at least two elephants roaming in the Charuka and Chipfuti areas early Tuesday morning.
Ward 24 Councillor Zivanai Zvada confirmed the incident, saying reports from villagers indicated that the animals were first seen in the Chipfuti area around 3am before later appearing near Charuka at approximately 5am.According to Zvada, the elephants have since disappeared from open view, raising fears that they may be hiding near Charuka Dam, an area known for thick vegetation that could provide cover.
“I received reports from residents who saw the elephants during the early hours. They were initially spotted in Chipfuti and later near Charuka. Since then, they have not been seen again, and there are suspicions they may be hiding near Charuka Dam,” said Zvada.
The councillor said he immediately alerted Zaka South legislator Clemence Chiduwa, who in turn notified the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority to arrange for rangers to respond to the situation.
Local authorities have also been informed, with efforts underway to deploy wildlife officers to monitor the area and ensure the safety of residents.
Villagers in the affected areas have reportedly been tracking signs of the animals’ presence through footprints and dung, confirming that the elephants remain within the vicinity.Zvada urged residents to exercise extreme caution and avoid unnecessary movement, particularly during nighttime hours when encounters with wildlife are more likely.“I urge residents to remain vigilant at all times. Those who herd cattle should avoid bushy areas, and if anyone encounters the elephants, they must not provoke them,” he warned.
Incidents involving stray wildlife are not uncommon in parts of Zaka, especially in communities bordering wildlife-rich areas in neighbouring districts such as Chiredzi District. In a recent case, a buffalo was reportedly spotted and later killed in Ward 17, highlighting ongoing human-wildlife conflict concerns in the region.
Authorities are expected to provide further updates once wildlife rangers assess the situation on the ground.
