Staff Reporter
Zibagwe Rural District Council chief executive officer Farayi Desimond Machaya says council rangers, working with Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority, shot one zebra in March after a herd was reportedly destroying crops in Silobela.
Speaking during a full council meeting Machaya said 12 zebras had been sighted in Mawolokohlo area, Ward 29. He said the animals were damaging maize fields, prompting authorities to act.
“Our rangers partnered those from ZimParks to shoot one of the zebras in March 2026. The zebras were destroying maize fields,” Machaya said.
The intervention highlights ongoing human-wildlife conflict in parts of Zibagwe district, where communities and wild animals compete for land and resources.
Such conflicts often result in crop losses and in some cases, risks to human life.
Machaya said council also conducted two environmental awareness campaigns at Mlala Park and Venture Farm aimed at reducing risks associated with wildlife, particularly crocodile attacks.
The campaigns focused on educating communities on safety measures to prevent loss of life.
While the CEO did not indicate whether further action would be taken against the remaining zebras, he stressed the importance of coordinated responses between local authorities and wildlife agencies in managing such incidents.
Human-wildlife conflict remains a persistent challenge in rural Zimbabwe, especially in areas bordering wildlife habitats, with authorities balancing conservation obligations and the protection of livelihoods.
