By Admore Mbonda in Kariba
Grief turned to terror at John Range Cemetery in Kariba when a raging elephant stormed a funeral, sending mourners running for their lives in a scene straight out of a movie.
The giant animal, believed to have trampled and killed a mentally challenged man named Danmore, emerged unexpectedly during his burial, creating panic and chaos before vanishing into the nearby bush.
“The way people scattered—it was pure fear,” said one shaken mourner.
The shocking incident has reignited urgent discussions about escalating human-wildlife conflict in Kariba, where increasing animal encounters have put lives at risk.
Growing Concerns Over Wildlife Conflict
Ward 1 Councillor Elson Sefulani expressed grave concern, calling for immediate action to protect residents.
“This highlights the urgent need for better wildlife management. We cannot allow these tragedies to continue,” he said.
Residents fear the cemetery’s proximity to wildlife habitats makes it a dangerous zone.
“We need authorities to act now. Human safety must be prioritized,” urged one mourner.
A Rising Threat
This is not an isolated incident. Just last week, a ZimParks ranger was killed by an elephant at Gatche Gache fishing camp, and a woman remains in critical condition after being attacked by a hyena while sleeping outside her makeshift home.
As Kariba continues to grapple with human-wildlife conflicts, calls are growing louder for sustainable solutions that ensure the safety of both people and animals.
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