HARARE, Mar. 14 (NewsDay Live) – A 62-year-old Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) ranger, Josphat Mandishara, tragically lost his life after being trampled by an elephant in the Gache Gache area of Kariba.
The incident occurred on Thursday night during a routine extended patrol.
Mandishara was accompanied by two fellow ZimParks rangers and a Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) detail when he returned to the harbor to retrieve their boat. But he encountered a charging elephant that emerged unexpectedly and fatally injured him.
"The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) is deeply saddened to announce the untimely death of 62-year-old Ranger Josphat Mandishara," said ZimParks Spokesperson Tinashe Farawo.
"The safety of our staff and wildlife is our utmost priority, and we are committed to taking the necessary measures to prevent such incidents in the future."
Director General, Edson Gandiwa and the ZimParks family extended their condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Ranger Mandishara during this difficult time.
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According to the International Ranger Federation, at least 150 rangers die worldwide each year in the line of duty.
Commenting on the sad incident, Councilor Temptation Masuku Chiriseri, a proportional representative and gender champion for Kariba Urban, said, "Kariba has been plagued by escalating human-wildlife conflicts, resulting in numerous lives lost over the past few years. It's disconcerting that the National Parks and Wildlife organization remains silent on these issues, neglecting the welfare and compensation of victims and their families.
“As community leaders, we urge National Parks to demonstrate empathy and provide support to affected families. While we acknowledge living in a wildlife area, we strive for harmony between humans and animals."