By Admore Mbonda in Kariba
A woman in Kariba was killed this morning after being attacked by an elephant while fetching firewood in the Kasese area, highlighting ongoing risks from human wildlife conflict in the resort town and its surrounding areas.
According to a witness, Shyline Mutakati, a17-year old girl who had been accompanying the now deceased person said the elephant appeared suddenly and began chasing them.
“We ran together with the now deceased while the elephant was chasing us. It grabbed her by the hand and gored her by the stomach,” Mutakati said.
Mutakati further reported that they went back to the scene and found the woman lifeless on the ground. She said the body showed severe injuries consistent with the attack.
Police and Parks officials were notified and attend the scene in time, the witness said.
The deceased’s body has since been taken to Kariba District Hospital mortuary for a postmortem examination. At the time of publication, the name of the woman had not been released, as next of kin were yet to be notified.
Authorities continue to warn residents about safety measures in wildlife inhabited areas, as cases of human wildlife conflict remain a growing concern around Kariba and nearby communities.
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