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VFWT cracks buffalo death mystery, rescues injured elephant

Published

12 months ago

August 23, 2024

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

The Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust has solved the mystery of a buffalo’s death in the national park, and rescued an injured elephant in a separate incident.

In a statement on their Facebook page, the trust said: “Sometimes, the path to understanding wildlife health takes us to challenging scenarios. A few months ago, we encountered a critical situation at the Victoria Falls National Park when a buffalo was found deceased. Our mission was to uncover the cause and ensure the health of the ecosystem.”

The trust conducted microbiology and haematology tests and discovered that the buffalo died from a bacterial infection, specifically Anaplasma marginale.

“Our diagnosis was that the death was caused by a bacteria, particularly Anaplasma marginale, which is known to infect the red blood cells of some animals, including buffaloes,” the trust said.

In a separate incident, the trust received an urgent call few days ago about a young elephant bull who was suffering from a severe injury caused by a cable snare.

“The elephant was suffering from a severe injury caused by a cable snare, which had cut deep into his right front leg, causing immense pain and distress,” the trust said.

The trust’s rescue team tranquilized the elephant, carefully removed the snare, treated the wounds, and released the elephant back into the wild.

“A huge thank you to Zimparks, Peter De-Clark, and all our dedicated partners for their unwavering support. Your contributions make a world of difference!” the trust said.

The trust’s efforts in disease surveillance and testing have been crucial in safeguarding wildlife health, and their rescue and rehabilitation efforts have made a significant impact on the lives of animals in the national park.

National

Zimbabwe roads claim 24 lives over Heroes holiday

Published

11 minutes ago

August 14, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

A total of 24 people lost their lives on Zimbabwe’s roads during the 2025 Heroes and Defence Forces holidays, according to statistics released by the Zimbabwe Republic Police.

The police reported 196 road traffic accidents, 13 of which were fatal, between August 11 and 13. This represents a significant increase from the previous year’s figures, which saw 149 accidents and eight fatalities.

Reckless driving, mechanical faults, speeding, and overtaking errors were cited as major causes of the accidents.

Two major accidents occurred during the period, including a fatal crash on the Mutare-Masvingo Road that claimed the lives of six Zion Christian Church congregants. Another accident on the Bindura-Shamva Road resulted in four fatalities and 17 injuries.

The police have urged motorists to prioritize vehicle maintenance, avoid speeding and reckless overtaking, and adhere to road rules and regulations to prevent further loss of life.

In the community

Dete teen convicted for theft

Published

20 minutes ago

August 14, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY WANDILE TSHUMA

A Dete teenager has been convicted of breaking into a local shop and stealing goods and cash worth US$131.

Artwell Ncube, 18, of Lupote in Dete, was found guilty of aggravated unlawful entry by the Hwange Magistrates Court.

According to court records, Ncube used an unknown object to open the locked shop door between May 20 and 25, 2025. Once inside, he stole groceries, airtime, and US$50 in cash.

The shop owner unexpectedly returned to the premises on May 25 at midnight and found Ncube inside. The teenager fled, leaving some stolen items behind.

A subsequent police investigation led to Ncube’s arrest. Property worth US$31 was recovered.

Ncube was sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment, which was fully suspended on condition that he repays ZWG3 516.04 to the complainant within six months and performs 110 hours of community service at Lupote Clinic which he started on Wednesday.

In the community

Nightclub nightmare: Nkayi woman stabs man in brutal attack

Published

31 minutes ago

August 14, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY STAFF REPORTER

A 29-year-old Nkayi woman has escaped jail time after being convicted of assault for stabbing a man with a broken beer bottle during a violent altercation at a nightclub.

The incident occurred end of last month, at around 11 pm, when the victim, a 26-year-old man from Cowdray Park, was playing snooker with a friend.

The offender’s aunt caught the attention of the victim’s friend, provoking the offender, who struck the victim on the arm with an empty beer bottle.

The victim attempted to flee, but the offender pursued him, stabbing him once in the back with a broken beer bottle. The victim was left unconscious and rushed to Nkayi District Hospital, where he remains under medical care.

The Nkayi Magistrates’ Court sentenced the offender to 15 months’ imprisonment, suspending three months for five years on condition of good behavior.

The remaining 12 months were wholly suspended on the condition she performs 420 hours of community service.

The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe has urged people to resolve disputes peacefully, emphasizing that violence has no place in communities.