Thousands of head of cabbages as well as tomatoes and beans have been destroyed without compensation from the conservancy. Hlekani Chigona Mtetwa and village head Vheremu Muchaiyana are among the farmers who lost crops and had their fence and irrigation canals destroyed.
Last Thursday rangers slaughtered one beast in the field. Some of the meat was sold to locals while the rest was taken away by the Parks Authorities.
“I am worried by the massive destruction of crops by the elephants as food security of affected families has been compromised,” said Charles Mugidho, Chipinge-Chibuwe Rural District Council ward 20 councillor. He said the farmers should be compensated.
Other villagers said besides fearing for the crops, they could not sleep as the marauding elephants might destroy their shelters.
By the time of going to press Charity Washaya, the parks authority PRO, failed to answer written questions that she requested.
Post published in: News