Sithembinkosi L Jiyane
Cowdray Park, in Bulawayo, is facing mounting concerns over the increasing number of donkeys roaming freely in the area.
Once considered a rural issue, the presence of these animals in an urban setting has now become a source of frustration for many residents.
Donkeys are commonly used for transportation and hauling goods in rural areas.
However, in Cowdray Park, their presence has disrupted daily life, posing health, safety, and environmental challenges.
The animals are often seen wandering along busy roads, grazing in open yards, and eating vegetables grown by residents who practice backyard farming.
Many of these homes are not durawalled or fenced, making it easy for the donkeys to access the gardens and cause damage.
There have also been reports linking some donkey cart operators to illegal activities such as poaching pit sand and firewood. In some cases, residents have raised concerns about petty theft, especially during the night when people leave items outside their homes.
Nicholas Ngwenya Community Right Resource person revealed that they have continuously raised the issue of stray donkeys with local authorities, particularly council rangers, but their efforts have yielded no lasting results. According to them, the donkeys are briefly removed but return within minutes.
“We have raised this issue in all stakeholder meetings with our duty bearers, the council rangers, to impound these donkeys. But after five minutes, they are back.”
The community has expressed frustration over the fact that some landlords, who do not live in the area are renting out their properties to people who own and keep donkeys in residential zones.
“It’s pitiful for us residents. Some landlords who don’t even stay in Cowdray Park are renting their houses to donkey owners.”
Concerns have also been raised about theft and insecurity linked to individuals using donkey carts (Scotch carts).
One resident recently caught people attempting to steal her belongings left outside during the early hours of the morning.
“Three days ago, a resident told us she caught people trying to take her chair at around 3am. Luckily, she was awake and managed to stop them,” said Ngwenya.
In response, Cowdray Park residents are now planning to escalate the issue by petitioning the local council with the help of Zimbabwe Human Rights Lawyers.
“Residents are now preparing a petition through Zimbabwe Human Rights Lawyers to get the council to take this seriously”.
A shocking discovery was made in 2014 in Cowdray Park, when residents found fresh donkey parts in the suburb. The gruesome find sparked widespread outrage and suspicion that donkeys were being stolen and slaughtered for their meat.
Residents were left wondering if they had unknowingly consumed donkey meat, sparking a mix of fear, anger, and disgust.
The incident highlighted the need for stricter regulations and monitoring of meat sales in urban areas.
Residents were advised to purchase meat from reputable, licensed butcheries to avoid unknowingly consuming donkey meat.
The community demanded justice and an end to the horrific practice, calling for authorities to take action against those responsible.
Despite the outrage and calls for action following the 2014 donkey meat scandal, stray donkeys continue to roam the streets of Cowdray Park, posing ongoing safety and security concerns for residents.
As the situation worsens, Cowdray Park residents are growing increasingly impatient with the lack of lasting solutions.
The community is calling for firm enforcement of urban animal control by-laws to restore order and protect their livelihoods.
With legal action on the horizon, residents hope the petition will finally prompt the authorities to act decisively and remove the donkeys from their neighbourhood once and for all.
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