Baboons Wreak Havoc

Source: The Herald (Harare)

Date: 4 October, 2005

Author: Tsitsi Matope

Baboons are wreaking havoc in Kariba and Chirundu, snatching bags from unsuspecting people and at times breaking into cars and homes in search of food.

So serious is the problem that yesterday, the National Parks and Wildlife Management Authority had to dispatch a team to fight the marauding baboons.

It is understood that people - particularly from the Chirundu area - are now living in fear after troops of baboons attacked and snatched bags, especially women's handbags.

The baboons are also understood to attack people they see eating food, particularly fruits.

Parks and Wildlife Management Authority Public Relations Manager, Retired Major Edward Mbewe yesterday said two teams were send to assess the situation a few days ago following reports of house break-ins and looting of food by the animals.

"The situation is of a very serious nature and plans are at an advanced stage to identify the notorious baboons and eliminate them to scale down on the problem," Rtd Maj Mbewe said.

He said after they have identified the troop and where they sleep the authority would apply an effective animal control mechanism like shooting a number of baboons.

"We are concerned about the extent to which the baboons are disturbing people in the area and there is no other option but to kill them.

"We are aware that there would be an uproar by conservationists, but we are looking at human safety at this point in time," Rtd Maj Mbewe said.

He said a few weeks ago, the authority managed to identify a problem elephant that had invaded homesteads and threatened the lives of many people in Kariba.

"We shot the problem elephant and we have not heard any other reports of invasions since then," he said.