Rampaging Baboons Cause Chaos in Redcliff Suburbs
REDCLIFF – Residents of Redcliff’s low-density suburbs are facing a wave of destruction caused by baboons, which have increasingly become aggressive and destructive, triggering concerns over public safety and prompting a call for urgent government intervention.
The primates, reportedly displaced due to the closure of Ziscosteel and underutilization of nearby Torwood farms, have invaded residential areas in search of food, damaging property and livestock.
Homeowners say the baboons are breaching security barriers, raiding fowl runs, and swinging dangerously on electricity power lines.
Moses Moyo, a local resident, told Midweek Watch that he lost more than 20 broiler chickens and crates of eggs during a single raid.
“I am counting losses 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.
Redcliff Municipality confirmed the escalation in a statement, noting that they have since engaged the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (Zimparks) to address the crisis and translocate the animals to safer zones.
The council urged residents not to feed the primates and to maintain proper waste disposal to avoid attracting them.
“Residents are urged to continue taking precautions by securing waste and food sources. Avoid confronting or provoking the baboons,” the municipality stated.
Zimparks spokesperson Tinashe Farawo echoed the call for caution, assuring residents that steps were being taken to resolve the conflict.
“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,” he said.
As the community grapples with this growing threat, authorities are racing against time to restore order before the baboons inflict further damage or endanger human lives.