Panic gripped mourners in Kariba when a charging elephant, suspected of having trampled a mentally challenged resident to death, suddenly appeared at John Range Cemetery.
The unexpected intrusion sent mourners fleeing in all directions, fearing for their lives.
Family members and attendees, overcome with terror, scattered in search of safety as the massive animal made its way through the burial site. However, to their surprise, the elephant soon retreated into the nearby bushes, leaving shaken mourners in its wake.
The funeral gathering had been assembled to lay to rest a local resident, identified as Damore, who was reportedly killed by the same elephant. This harrowing event has reignited discussions over the rising cases of human-wildlife conflict in Kariba, an issue that has led to both loss of life and serious injuries among residents.
John Range Cemetery, located in an area abundant with wildlife, has become a hotspot for encounters between humans and animals, raising concerns over public safety.
Ward 1 Councillor Elson Sefulani expressed deep concern over the increasing number of incidents, stressing the urgent need for effective solutions to protect communities.
“This tragic event underscores the pressing need for strategies to manage human-wildlife interactions. We cannot continue to see lives endangered due to these conflicts,” he stated.
Some mourners voiced their distress, sharing differing perspectives on the issue. Many believe the cemetery’s location makes it a high-risk area, urging local authorities to take swift action to mitigate the dangers.
“We call on the authorities to address this issue immediately. Community safety should be a top priority,” said one mourner, who preferred to remain anonymous.
Another resident emphasised the need for sustainable coexistence between people and wildlife, stating, “Finding a lasting solution to these conflicts is critical for both human safety and conservation efforts.”
As encounters between wildlife and residents increase, the call for urgent intervention continues to grow, with many demanding stronger protective measures to prevent further tragedies.
