23-year-old Chama resident killed by buffalo as human-wildlife conflict persists

A 23-year-old man has died after being attacked by a buffalo in Chama District, Muchinga Province, amid ongoing human-animal conflicts in the region.

Muchinga Province Police Commissioner, Paul Achiume, confirmed the incident in a statement on Tuesday, saying it occurred around 15:00 hours when the victim left his house for his maize field to chase away wild animals that have been destroying crops in the area.

Isaac Lungu, a resident of the same village and father of the deceased, said he saw his son heading into the nearby bush to cut poles for constructing a makeshift shelter from which he could guard the field.

Shortly afterward, Lungu heard his son shouting for help.

He rushed to the scene and found him lying unconscious in a pool of blood.

The victim was rushed to Chama District Hospital, but he died the following morning around 05:00 hours while undergoing surgery.

Police officers who visited the hospital observed wounds on the neck, left side of the chest, testicles, and a penetrating injury to the abdomen.

The body is currently in the Chama District Hospital mortuary awaiting burial.<

Officers from Chama Police and the Department of National Parks and Wildlife have since visited the area in an effort to track and contain the animal responsible.

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