Zaka residents live in fear as suspected buffalo roams farmlands

Residents of Murembwa Village in Ward 17 under Chief Nyakunhuwa, Zaka, are living in fear as a suspected buffalo continues to be spotted in local fields, with authorities yet to locate or remove the animal.

Village Head Kefas Chimunda confirmed to TellZim News that multiple villagers have reported sightings, though there is disagreement over whether the animal is a buffalo or a wildebeest (known in Shona as ngongoni).

“Several villagers have reported seeing the animal, but some are not sure if it is a buffalo. Some say it’s a wildebeest while others say it is a real buffalo. We appeal to authorities to come and locate it so that people can live peacefully,” said Chimunda.

He added that the community had stopped visiting the fields where the animal had been seen, creating challenges for those who graze their livestock in the area.

Ward 17 Councillor Chrispen Watadza acknowledged the reports and confirmed that authorities were aware of the situation, though no action had been taken.

One resident, Rekebi Mukumbi, who says he was familiar with buffaloes from his time working in Hwange, claimed to have seen the animal up close.

He expressed surprise at its behavior, noting that it ran away from him, unusual for a buffalo, which are typically fearless around people.

“I saw it about a hundred metres away. I know it from its stature and the horns. I worked in Hwange where I familiarized myself with animals, so I am convinced it’s a buffalo,” said Mukumbi.

He urged authorities to intervene, warning that buffaloes are dangerous and capable of attacking people.

“I know a buffalo is a dangerous animal; it is not afraid of people. But what surprised me that day is that after staring at me for some time, it ran away and disappeared into the bushes.

We did not hear any reports for several days, so we thought it had gone. I appeal to responsible authorities to come and track it before it injures someone,” said Mukumbi.

Mukumbi added that he first spotted the animal at the beginning of September, meaning it has been in the area for nearly two months.

The situation has raised broader concerns about wildlife management and public safety in rural communities, where human-wildlife conflict remains a persistent challenge.

al, it is not afraid of people, but what surprised me on the day is that after staring at me for some time, it ran away and disappeared into the bushes and we did not hear any report for several days so we thought it had gone.

I appeal to responsible authorities to come and track it before it injures people,” said Mukumbi

Mukumbi said he had seen the animal beginning of September meaning it was close to two months while it was in the area.

The incident highlights concerns about wildlife management and public safety in rural areas.