Mat North Correspondent
Residents of Mkhosana in Victoria Falls are currently facing significant challenges due to a large herd of buffaloes invading their community.
This situation has escalated since June, with the buffaloes reportedly causing destruction to vegetable gardens and posing a threat to the safety of the residents.
Residents’ Concerns
Eyewitness accounts indicate that the buffaloes, estimated to number between 30 to 40, have been entering residential areas, particularly during the evening hours, around 8 PM.
David Mpofu, a local resident, expressed the community’s fear, stating,
“We are living in fear because these buffaloes come every day, destroying our vegetable gardens.”
The residents are urging the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority to take immediate action to address this issue.
Escalating Human-Wildlife Conflict
The problem of human-wildlife conflict is worsening, exacerbated by ongoing drought conditions. This has led not only to buffaloes invading gardens but also to elephants encroaching on communities in search of food and water. The situation has reached a point where a herd of buffaloes even invaded the Victoria Falls City Council water works, surprising security personnel.
Call for Action
Residents are increasingly vocal about their plight, demanding urgent intervention to ensure their safety and protect their livelihoods. The presence of these buffaloes is not just a nuisance; it threatens their food sources and overall security.
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