BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI 

Residents of Mkhosana in Victoria Falls are living in fear as a large herd of buffaloes continues to invade their communities, destroying vegetable gardens and posing a threat to human life.

https://x.com/Vic_Falls_Live/status/1853724332553314445/video/1

According to eyewitnesses, the buffaloes, estimated to be around 30-40, have been encroaching into the communities since June, with some residents reporting that they have been vandalizing their gardens as early as 8 PM.

David Mpofu

David Mpofu, a resident of Mkhosana, expressed his concern, saying, “We are living in fear because these buffaloes come every day, destroying our vegetable gardens. We want the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority rangers to take action and chase them away.”

Trymore Ndolo

The Victoria Falls Combined Residents Association member, Trymore Ndolo, who was also at the scene on Monday night close to the CBZ houses, expressed frustration, stating that the buffaloes are becoming a menace and encroaching into high-density residential areas.

The issue of human-wildlife conflict is escalating due to the ongoing drought, with elephants also encroaching into communities in search of water and food.

Residents are crying foul as their source of food is being destroyed.

Last week, a large herd of buffaloes even invaded the Victoria Falls City Council water works premises, taking security guards by surprise and forcing them to hide.

In Mkhosana, the  buffaloes refused to budge until Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority officials arrived and chased them away.

Residents are calling for urgent action to address the situation and ensure their safety and security.

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI 

Prosper Dube, a 44-year-old man from Victoria Falls, is tired of living a life controlled by alcohol.

He’s exhausted from the constant shaking and trembling that has taken over his body.

WATCH:

https://x.com/vic_falls_live/status/1850796466761064612?s=46

“I’m so tired of drinking, I want to reduce because it’s making me shake every time,”Dube says, his voice laced with desperation.

“Even in my bed, when I’m sleeping, I shake. At times, I can’t cook or do anything.”

Prosper’s addiction to alcohol started years ago, but the shaking and trembling began six months ago.

He’s not alone in his struggles; his friends, who drink with him, are suffering from the same condition.

“We all shake and tremble, it’s like we’re suffering from the same disease,”He says, his eyes pleading for help.

Despite his efforts to seek help, Dube feels defeated by the lack of resources in his area.

There are no rehabilitation centers in Matebele North province, including Victoria Falls, where he comes from.

“I don’t know where to turn to.”

His drink of choice is cheap alcohol, like Ntshengu, which he knows is contributing to his problems.

“I know it’s not good for me, but I don’t know how to stop.”

As he shares his story, Prosper’s body shakes uncontrollably, a constant reminder of the grip alcohol has on his life.

“I’m appealing to any well-wisher or doctor to help me. I want to be taken to a rehabilitation center, I want to be helped. I’m tired of this life.”

Dube’s story is a heart-wrenching reminder of the devastating impact of addiction.

Background: Drug and Substance Abuse in Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe is facing a growing crisis of drug and substance abuse, with an estimated 10% of the population aged 15-64 years struggling with alcohol and drug use disorders (UNODC, 2020).

The Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency reports that alcohol and drug abuse are among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the country.

Researchers at the University of Zimbabwe have noted that socioeconomic stresses, such as poverty, unemployment, and trauma, are key drivers of substance abuse.

BY STAFF REPORTER

A 4-year-old Darrel Mukundi, who went missing after church on Saturday, has been found alive, according to a statement by the Victoria Falls Combined Residents Association.

Kelvin Moyo, chairman for the association, announced that the search party scheduled for this morning has been called off, as Mukundi has been found  this morning close to Victoria Falls Primary School.

“The Police is still carrying out investigations on this matter, and as such, we will share more information as soon as they are done,” Moyo said.

“We would like to thank all the Victoria Falls Residents and stakeholders for their support they have shown this far,” Moyo added. “This unity and collaboration is amazing, and we pray that your cooperation continues unabated.”

Details of Mukundi’s disappearance and rescue are still emerging.

More to follow as this story develops…