Providence Moyo
For over six weeks, residents of Ward 17 in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, have been gripped by fear as reports of a suspected leopard roaming their neighborhoods continue to surface. Despite repeated reassurances from the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (Zimparks) that the sightings are likely jackals, the community remains unconvinced, with many claiming to have seen clear evidence of a leopard in the area.
The situation has escalated to the point where local leadership, including Ward 17 Councillor Skhululekile Moyo, has issued warnings urging residents to remain vigilant. “The leopard traces have been seen, and they’ve been persistent for weeks now,” Moyo stated. “We can’t ignore this; we need to take action to ensure the safety of our residents.”
Residents have reported leopard traces in multiple locations across the ward, including St. Peters, Pumula North, and Cowdry Park. These sightings have fueled anxiety, with many fearing for their safety, especially during early mornings and late evenings.
“When we first heard of this situation, the council and Zimparks acted swiftly and informed us of jackal traces,” Moyo explained. “But in the last few days, the leopard traces have persisted. This is not something we can take lightly.”
Tinashe Farawo, spokesperson for Zimparks, has maintained that their experts have only found evidence of jackal activity in the area. “Our team has thoroughly investigated the claims, and there is no evidence of a leopard in Ward 17,” Farawo said. “We understand the community’s concerns, but the traces found are consistent with jackals, not leopards.”
Despite Zimparks’ reassurances, Councillor Moyo and many residents remain skeptical. The persistence of the sightings and the community’s heightened fear have led to calls for further investigation and action. This is not the first time Ward 17 has faced wildlife-related challenges. Last year, the area was plagued by baboons that raided homes and gardens, causing significant damage and disruption. The recurring issue of wildlife encroachment has left residents feeling vulnerable and frustrated, with many calling for long-term solutions to prevent future incidents.
As the debate between residents and Zimparks continues, the people of Ward 17 remain on high alert. Many are taking extra precautions, such as avoiding walking alone at night and securing their homes. The community is hopeful that their concerns will be taken seriously and that a resolution will be found to ensure their safety. The situation in Ward 17 highlights the growing challenge of human-wildlife conflict in urban areas.
As residents await further action from authorities, the question remains: Is it a leopard, or are jackals being mistaken for something more dangerous? Until a definitive answer is found, the fear and uncertainty in Ward 17 are likely to persist.
For now, the community is urging Zimparks and local authorities to conduct a more thorough investigation and provide regular updates to keep residents informed and safe.
