Gwanda Villagers Terrorized by Pack of Stray Dogs, Livestock Losses Mount

Loraine Phiri

Gwanda, Zimbabwe – The residents  of Magumbo Village in Gwanda North Ward 7 are living in constant fear of six stray dogs that have been wreaking havoc and terrorising the Mayezane community since August last year. These unbridled animals have killed more than 20 cows, leaving the villagers in a state of perpetual anxiety and despair.

Thandubukhosi Madlela Ndlovu, a local farmer, described his ordeal to Matabeleland Pulse.  Noting that desp ite numerous attempts to seek assistance from authorities, the villagers remain helpless as the attacks continue unabated.

“I have lost four cows to these dogs,” he lamented. “We can no longer leave our cattle unattended. Recent attacks were on thursday, I was woken up by my neighbors at 2 pm, shouting that the dogs had attacked my calf. They tore it apart and devoured its intestines. On Friday, l lost another one. This is happening to many of us.”

Madlela Ndlovu further explained that the police, vet, and dogs’ owner, who resides nearby, have failed to address the issue despite promises to do so. “The dogs now roam freely in the bush,” he said. “We are afraid to go into the bush, fearing potential attacks and the risk of rabies.”

Viola Ncube, another affected villager, expressed her anguish and the urgent need for intervention, stating, ” l have lost 3 cows. We have held two meetings but have not received help. We have called the police, but they have not responded, and the dogs continue their rampage. We are in desperate need of help to stop these six stray dogs.

“We have been shuffled between offices; from the vet in Kezi back to Gwanda, leaving us clueless on where to turn since August last year. Our cattle are diminishing. These dogs are now breeding, and we’re afraid to go into the bushes. As women, we used to gather fruits and perform other tasks there, but now we live in fear and can no longer do so safely.”

Samukeliso Nkomo also shared her distress, expressing deep concern for the safety of children.

“These dogs have taken three of my grandfather’s cows and one goat. They no longer fear humans and now have puppies, too. We are always on the run, trying to chase them away from our livestock. We are tired and need help before they destroy our entire herd.

” With schools having reopened, there’s the added worry of these dogs attacking our children on their way through the bushes. Children have to walk long distances to school through areas frequented by these dogs. We are constantly worried about their safety and now have extra work to accompany them to school.  This is a real problem for us all. The police asked us to make a list of the affected, but we’ve heard nothing since. We need urgent meetings to address this issue. The owner of these dogs and his workers are not taking any responsibility.”

The villagers have appealed to the authorities for urgent intervention to address this escalating crisis. The plight of these farmers in Magumbo Village paints a grim picture of neglect and urgency, highlighting the dire need for immediate and effective intervention from local authorities to restore peace and safety to this beleaguered community.