By Admore Mbonda in Kariba
Kariba — A growing wave of human-wildlife conflict has left two men hospitalized after brutal attacks by wild animals on Tuesday, sparking renewed concern in this lakeside community.
In the first incident, a man was severely injured by a hippo while passing through the Chemhere grounds in Nyamhunga during the early morning hours.
He was initially taken to Nyamhunga Clinic and later transferred to Kariba Hospital for advanced treatment.
Just hours later, tragedy nearly struck again. A second man, while fishing in Lake Kariba, was attacked by a crocodile that clamped down on his arm, causing serious injuries. He too is now recovering at Kariba Hospital.
These alarming incidents are part of a larger trend. Human-wildlife encounters are increasing across Zimbabwe, especially in areas close to national parks and wildlife corridors. According to the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks), over 300 lives have been lost to such conflicts between 2019 and 2024.
Kariba mayor Councilor Ralph Nyasha Maoneyi voiced serious concern.
“Lake Kariba is our lifeline. People fish to survive because there are no jobs, but that puts them directly in harm’s way,” he said, urging locals to take safety precautions.
ZimParks says a mix of habitat encroachment, climate change, and human settlement expansion is fueling the rise in attacks. In just the first quarter of 2025, 18 people have already died—mainly from encounters with lions, crocodiles, and hyenas.
Spokesperson Tinashe Farawo stressed the importance of avoiding movement after dark.
“Most of these incidents happen at night. We strongly advise residents to limit nighttime activity.”
With pressure mounting, both community leaders and wildlife officials are calling for urgent action—from enhanced public awareness to long-term strategies for coexistence.
As Kariba navigates these growing threats, one thing is clear: protecting lives while preserving wildlife is no longer a choice—it’s a necessity.
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