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Whinsley Masara Chronicle Reporter
A MAN died and another one suffered severe injuries following an elephant attack in Bubi District. Lucky Magasa died while Lipson Mhlanga of Village 17 is battling for life in the Intensive Care Unit at Mpilo Central Hospital in Bulawayo after they were attacked by a jumbo at around 8AM last Tuesday. Ward 5 Councillor Sylvia Luphahla said Mhlanga was found unconscious by a neighbour who was working in her fields.

“The woman who was working in the fields next to that of Mhlanga said she heard some noise and saw dust and when she got to the scene she found Magasa already dead and Mhlanga severely injured. The elephant had already left,” she said. Councillor Luphahla said Magasa, who was in his early 20s, was employed as a herd boy by Mhlanga.

“We’re used to seeing elephants passing through our ward on their way to a dam in Nkosikazi but they rarely attack people. The two men were very unfortunate and right now we’re all indoors in fear of these dangerous animals,” said the councillor. Bubi Rural District Council chief executive officer Patson Mlilo said the local authority was assisting the bereaved family with burial expenses.

“It’s unfortunate because a life has been lost. Last year, someone was killed by an elephant in the same area. Council is deeply worried and we’re strengthening our Animal Control Unit. We’re also appealing to National Parks to do the same as most of the land where these elephants come from falls under the Forestry Commission while National Parks is in charge of all the wildlife,” he said.