Hyena Attack Sparks Outcry for Better Community Safety in Kariba

Admore Mbonda in Kariba

Kariba-A shocking incident occurred yesterday evening when Stella Muzambi, a local woman, was attacked by a hyena while sleeping outside her home. The attack, which took place around 7 PM, has ignited a conversation about the urgent need for improved safety measures for residents living near wildlife habitats.

Eyewitnesses reported that the hyena had been seen earlier in the day at a nearby shop, where it was chased away by a group of villagers. After evading capture, the hyena made its way to Muzambi’s home, where she was resting outside following a night vigil.

“It all happened so fast. One moment she was resting, and the next, the hyena had her,” said an eyewitness. “Her screams echoed through the village, and we ran as fast as we could to help.”

The villagers quickly mobilized, confronting the hyena, which had dragged Muzambi away from her house. Despite their bravery, the hyena inflicted severe injuries, notably chewing her right hand and exposing bones before villagers could rescue her.

Following the attack, Muzambi was rushed to Nyamhunga Clinic for emergency treatment. Given the severity of her injuries, she was subsequently transferred to Kariba District Hospital and later to Chinhoyi Provincial Hospital for specialized care.

Tichaona Muzambi, Stella’s brother, expressed his deep concern for community safety. “This incident has shaken us all. My sister was simply trying to rest, and now she’s in a fight for her life. We need better protection and awareness about wildlife in our area.”

Adding to the outcry, Blesed Muzambi, Stella’s nephew, emphasized the need for immediate action. “This could happen to anyone in our community. We cannot live in fear every night. We need secure housing and more support from authorities to keep us safe from wild animals.”

The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, prompting discussions about human-wildlife conflict and the lack of secure housing in the area. Many residents are forced to sleep outdoors during the hot summer months, further increasing their vulnerability to wildlife attacks.

Local authorities and the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (Zimparks) have urged residents to remain vigilant and report any wild animal sightings. However, the community is calling for stronger measures to ensure their safety.

“This attack highlights a critical issue,” said a community leader. “We need to find solutions that protect both our people and the wildlife. It’s a delicate balance, but we must prioritize human safety.”

As the investigation into the incident continues, the community remains hopeful for improved measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future, emphasizing that the safety of residents must come first.