Donkeys Wreak Havoc in Bulawayo While Council’s Only Vehicle Sits in Repair Bay
A worsening donkey invasion in Bulawayo’s western suburbs has exposed a critical failure in the city’s logistical response, as council officials admit they are unable to relocate the animals due to a broken-down utility vehicle.
The donkeys—mostly from peri-urban zones like St Peters and the resettlement areas beyond Khami Prison Complex have been roaming freely into residential areas such as Cowdray Park, Pumula, and Magwegwe North, where they are destroying nutrition gardens and leaving residents frustrated.
According to the latest council minutes, the Lands Inspectorate is severely incapacitated and cannot remove the animals from affected suburbs due to transport challenges.
“Donkeys are becoming a menace in the city especially in suburbs such as Cowdray Park, Pumula and Magwegwe North among others which are close to peri-urban areas.
“The Lands inspectorate is highly incapacitated to remove the donkeys around the affected suburbs back to the peri-urban areas due to transport challenges.
“The main utility vehicle for that purpose is parked at the council workshop for repairs,” the council stated.
Residents without secure fencing have been hit hardest, as the animals continue to trample gardens, invade yards, and damage property.
The council’s inability to respond has raised concerns about its capacity to manage urban spillovers and maintain order in fringe suburbs.
As reported by Pindula, the donkey crisis comes at a time when the city is also battling environmental crimes.
Last month, a joint blitz involving council rangers, municipal security, and the Zimbabwe Republic Police targeted sand poaching, wood harvesting, and illegal mining operations across Greater Bulawayo.
The operation led to the impoundment of two trucks and four scotch carts used in sand and wood poaching.
“42 tickets were issued for various offences against sand poaching suspects with 36 tickets paid and a sum of US$2 216 was realised,” the minutes revealed.
Surveillance patrols at illegal gold panning sites in Mahatshula, Parklands, and parts of Emhlangeni led to the seizure of three compressors, two generators, one jackhammer, and two manual pulleys.
While the council has demonstrated enforcement strength in tackling environmental violations, its failure to address the donkey problem due to transport constraints has exposed a serious gap in urban management.
Until the utility vehicle is repaired and operations resume, residents remain vulnerable to livestock incursions and ongoing destruction of their gardens and property.
