SYDNEY MUBAIWA
REDCLIFF- Residents in the low density suburbs of Redcliff are having running battles with baboons which are terrorising the community, damaging property and livestock, a development which has threatened public safety in the area.
The baboons have become so brazen that they are now entering homes, breaking into fowl runs and even swinging on electricity power lines.
In an interview with The Midweek Watch, Moses Moyo, a resident said he lost over 20 broiler chickens and crates of eggs to the primates.
“I am counting loses after these baboons killed over 20 chickens in my fowl run. These baboons are so strong that they can break through our security barriers.
“We are calling upon the authorities to come to our rescue before the baboons start attacking people,” he said.
In a statement, Redcliff Municipality said they have engaged the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (Zimparks) to help in the restoration of sanity in the small mining town.
The local authority assured its residents that Zimparks will translocate the baboons to safer zones.
Council advised residents to stop feeding the baboons with left overs and continue practicing proper waste management.
“Residents are urged to continue taking precautions by securing waste and food sources. Avoid confronting or provoking the baboons,” reads part of the statement.
Zimparks spokesperson, Tinashe Farawo said the wildlife management department was going to address the situation, urging residents to practice proper waste disposal.
“We are aware of the human-wildlife conflict in the area and we are working towards finding a lasting solution to the problem.
“As of now, we urge residents to take precautions to protect themselves and their properties while we work on a long term solution to the problem.
“We also encourage residents to practice proper waste disposal to prevent attracting baboons to residential areas,” he said.
The closure of Ziscosteel Company and under utilisation of Torwood farms forced baboons to seek food in residential areas.
