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Elephants Wreak Havoc in Victoria Falls<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
By A Correspondent \u2014 Residents of Victoria Falls are demanding urgent action from authorities after two people were killed in separate elephant attacks in the resort town last week.<\/p>\n
The fatal incidents occurred along Kazungula Road and the Bulawayo\u2013Victoria Falls Road in Chinotimba, just days apart, sending shockwaves through communities already grappling with frequent wildlife incursions.<\/p>\n
In low-density suburbs on the outskirts of town \u2014 where homes lie close to established wildlife corridors \u2014 sightings of elephants have become increasingly common. Residents say the situation has escalated to the point where daily life is now marked by fear and uncertainty.<\/p>\n
Nkosana Ndebele, a local resident, said elephants often appear suddenly on roads at night, posing a serious danger to motorists and pedestrians.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou can be driving home at night, and suddenly there are elephants in the road. Our children cannot even walk freely. Now two people are dead in just one week. It\u2019s too much,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
In Garikai, a high-density suburb also affected by elephant movements, residents reported widespread destruction of crops and property. They said the animals frequently stray into residential areas, breaking fences and trampling maize fields.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese elephants are wreaking havoc. They destroy our maize, they break fences, and when they move through the location, everyone runs. We are not safe,\u201d said one resident.<\/p>\n
Similar concerns have been raised in Mkhosana\u2019s Omfelandawonye area, where encounters with elephants are reportedly becoming more frequent. Omar Chuma said residents are now afraid to walk early in the morning or late at night for fear of crossing paths with the animals.<\/p>\n
Kelvin Moyo, chairperson of the Victoria Falls Combined Residents Association, expressed condolences to the bereaved families and called for immediate intervention.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are deeply saddened by the two incidents in which our residents were killed by elephants within a week. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Moyo urged residents to avoid walking at night and appealed to tourism operators to provide transport for employees working late shifts.<\/p>\n
Victoria Falls MP Vusumuzi Moyo raised the matter in Parliament on Tuesday, arguing that the crisis extends beyond wildlife management.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy issue is not merely about wildlife management. It is about national development, constitutional responsibility, and ultimately protecting human dignity. In the space of a week, two families are mourning,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
He called for the swift implementation of the Parks and Wildlife Act in communities bordering protected areas to safeguard lives.<\/p>\n
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