Zaka Man Loses Two Fingers in Hyena Attack
He was bathing with his 15-year-old son in a local river when the hyena attacked. His son, with the help of other villagers, intervened and drove the animal away
Kwedu News 
Masvingo — A man from Zaka District in Masvingo Province has been hospitalised at Musiso Mission Hospital after a hyena attack in which he lost two fingers, one from epach hand.
The victim has been identified as Samuel Mahachi, from Rupfidza Village in Ward 20. He was bathing with his 15-year-old son in a local river when the hyena attacked.
His son, with the help of other villagers, intervened and drove the animal away. The son was scratched during the altercation.
Local councillor Walter Masaka confirmed the incident to TellZim News, saying Mahachi was recovering at Musiso Mission Hospital.
The attack has caused fear in the area, where hyenas have become a permanent feature. Councillor Masaka said the animals are now seen roaming freely from as early as 5 pm until 8 am and show little fear of people.
He said livestock losses have been severe in recent years, with more than 50 goats and sheep, about 15 donkeys and two head of cattle killed.
According to Masaka, attacks are more common at this time of year when livestock is not herded, and some animals are left unsecured overnight.
The mountainous terrain provides refuge for the hyenas, particularly in the Nhemwe, Guraudye, Masvingamashava, Demba, Nyagombe and Masasa ranges.
Masaka said a hyena recently entered a house at a Chinoda homestead but left without taking anything.
In a separate incident, villagers killed a hyena after it attacked a community garden guard as he returned from night duty in the early morning.
“We have a solar-powered borehole in a community garden, so the community employs a guard. While he was coming from his night duty, he met a hyena, and he called others, and they managed to kill it,” Masaka said.
He thanked the responsible authorities for their swift response, including Zaka Rural District Council, Zaka South MP Clemence Chiduwa, ZimParks, the Civil Protection Unit and the District Development Coordinator’s office.
He said ZimParks officers are currently in the area tracking the animals.
Masaka warned villagers against travelling at night and urged them to secure their livestock.
The incident is not isolated. In July 2022, three members of the same family from Mapfumo Village under Chief Bota were attacked while trying to protect their goats.
The hyena first attacked Robert Murove, then his wife, Muchanyara Munodya, and then his father, Rwatiwenga Murove, who had rushed to the scene with a log.
Villagers eventually scared the animal away, but Munodya, who had given birth 18 days earlier, lost both hands and was left unable to feed or care for her newborn.
