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Thupeyo Muleya, Beitbridge Bureau

A HERD of elephants has recently resurfaced in Beitbridge, causing significant damage to communal fields and posing a threat to villagers in the Joko, Mutetenwa, and Mzingwane areas.

Mr Jahson Mugodzwa, the Beitbridge Civil Protection Committee focal person, confirmed the situation and said they had notified both the Beitbridge Rural District Council (RDC) and officials from the National Parks and Wildlife Authority about the ongoing issues.

“We have received distress calls from villagers in Mzingwane, where the elephants have destroyed several crop fields. Additionally, another herd is camped in Mutetenwa, and villagers are now living in fear for their safety. As the Civil Protection Committee, we have informed the relevant departments, who are already on the ground addressing the matter,” said Mr Mugodzwa.

Elephants have become a recurring threat to both crops and villagers, particularly those living near water bodies such as the Shashe, Mzingwane, Bubi, and Limpopo Rivers.