By Savious Madanhire
The Gweru City Council issued a directive requiring all traders operating at Mtapa Market to relocate to designated areas by 18 March 2025.
This directive aims to ensure order and safety, avoiding the risks associated with trading alongside the main road, cycle track, and high-voltage power lines.
The relocation complies with S.I 177 (9) of 2018, which prohibits the presence of persons or objects under or within a prescribed distance of high-voltage power lines.
“We urge you to cooperate by relocating to the allocated areas in the market. Your prompt response will help avoid unnecessary inconveniences, “reads the statement.
Meanwhile, a worrying surge in crocodile attacks has been reported in Zimbabwe, resulting in the loss of human lives and livestock.
According to the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks), nine people have been killed and 11 others injured in crocodile attacks over the past two months.
The attacks have also had a devastating impact on livestock, with 44 cattle and 60 goats killed during the same period.
A total of 49 cases of human-crocodile conflict have been documented, highlighting the growing concern over the safety of communities living near water bodies.
In a statement, Tinashe Farawo, spokesperson for ZimParks, urged communities to exercise extreme caution when near water bodies, especially during the rainy season.
“Parents and herders must be vigilant and keep a close eye on children and livestock when near water bodies, as crocodiles can strike at any moment,” he warned.
Farawo emphasized the importance of creating barriers in areas commonly used for fishing, swimming, or domestic chores.
However, ZimParks is working closely with local councils and conservation partners to educate people on crocodile behavior and implement safety practices.
The authority is committed to balancing public safety with wildlife conservation, recognizing the importance of preserving Zimbabwe’s natural heritage.
However, the recent surge in crocodile attacks has highlighted the ongoing challenge of human-wildlife conflicts in Zimbabwe. According to statistics from ZimParks, approximately 300 fatalities have been recorded across the country between 2019 and 2023.
