Another buffalo attack in Bulilima

A BULILIMA man in Matabeleland South has survived a buffalo attack in the area, becoming the third victim of the animal attacks within two weeks.

Mr Joe Ndebele (48) was attacked by the beast last Wednesday while coming from a beer drink. Chief Masendu’s secretary, Mr Freeman Dube confirmed the incident which occurred in Masendu area at around 9 pm.

He said Mr Ndebele sustained cuts on his back.

“There is a man from Masendu area who was attacked by a buffalo while he was coming from the shops at night where he had been drinking beer. When he was passing by a river the buffalo emerged from the bushes. It appears that it had been lying there for a while because another villager later reported to have seen it and ran away before it could attack him,” said Mr Dube.

Mr Dube said the buffalo attacked Mr Ndebele on his back and pierced him several times.

He said Mr Ndebele managed to crawl away and sought refuge at a nearby homestead. Mr Dube said Mr Ndebele was taken to Plumtree District Hospital the following day where he was treated and discharged.

He said the buffalo disappeared from the area after the incident. This is the third incident of a buffalo attack in the area.

A 52-year-old Bulilima woman died while on her way to hospital after she was attacked by a buffalo two weeks ago. Ms Joyce Ngwenya of Lulo Village in Nyele Ward was attacked while she was fencing her fields which are located about 500 metres from Tokwana Business Centre.

The buffalo charged at her while her son who was standing a few metres away watched helplessly. She sustained injuries on her head and arm.

She was rushed to Plumtree District Hospital where she was later referred to UBH.

In another recent incident a 42-year-old Bulilima man escaped with serious injuries after a buffalo attack.

The bull which invaded Mbimba area in Bambadzi Ward about two weeks ago ripped Mr Japhet Ndlovu’s stomach open leaving his intestines hanging.

Mr Ndlovu also sustained injuries on the right arm and head during the attack. The buffalo attacked Mr Ndlovu while he was cutting down logs while in the company of other villagers.

Bulilima Rural District Council chairperson, Councillor Morgen Ndebele said the presence of buffaloes in the district had become a cause for concern.

He said early last week villagers had spotted buffaloes roaming around Dombolefu Ward.

“We have known elephants to invade several wards in the district but it is alarming that there are incidents of buffaloes which are more dangerous than jumbos,” he said.

e wild animals are suspected to be coming from Mabhongwane Concession area in Bulilima District in search of water.

They are targeting water sources within villages such as boreholes.