By Admore Mbonda in Kariba
Kariba – A tragic encounter with wildlife claimed the life of Jonathan Nyemba, 50, of Batonga, on Saturday night near the Nyamasoka River, where he was attacked by an elephant while collecting firewood and fishing worms.
Nyemba was accompanied by his friend, Pension Chimbolela, when the incident occurred at the Zambezi confluent.
The two had stopped to rest when an elephant suddenly emerged, trumpeting loudly. In a panic, they fled in opposite directions.
“I called out for my friend, but he didn’t respond,” Chimbolela recounted. “I searched from 5:20 PM to 7:00 PM but couldn’t find him.”
When Nyemba failed to return home, Pension Chimbolela informed his son, Blessed Nyemba. Together, they returned to the area and discovered Nyemba’s body lying face down, showing signs of a violent attack.
Authorities from the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Nyamhunga post and the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) responded to the scene.
The body exhibited evidence of trampling, with severe injuries including a gored thigh and arm. It was transported to the Kariba District Hospital Mortuary for a post-mortem examination.
ZimParks spokesperson Tinashe Farawo confirmed the incident and extended condolences to the Nyemba family.
“Our team is on the ground conducting investigations. Our thoughts are with the family during this difficult time,” he said. Farawo also urged communities to avoid known wildlife corridors and to adhere to safety guidelines.
In response to the tragedy, Kariba Mayor Nyasha Maoneyi renewed calls for a review of the Problem Animal Control (PAC) framework under ZimParks.
“He has left behind an extended family without a breadwinner. The community has long called for a review of wildlife conflict policies,” Maoneyi stated.
As the community mourns the loss of Jonathan Nyemba, the incident underscores the growing tension between rural communities and wildlife, and the urgent need for effective conflict mitigation strategies that safeguard both lives and ecosystems.
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