RICHARD MUPONDE
Baboons are causing havoc in the mining town of Gwanda, where they are raiding homes for food and ambushing shoppers outside retail shops.
The troops of baboons are also said to have been causing problems for pupils during break time, especially at Mt Cazalet and St Christopher primary schools where they grab food from pupils in the playgrounds.
Authorities at the schools have reportedly warned their pupils to be on the lookout as they could be injured by the wild animals that bay for their food.
Residents said the animals raid houses, especially in the low-density areas and at Gwanda District Hospital, where they open doors and also jump into houses through open windows despite the presence of people inside.
A Mt Cazalet suburb resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the baboons mainly target women and children on their way from the shops.
Gwanda mayor Jastone Mazhale said they had engaged the Zimbabwe National Parks and Wildlife Management Authority to address the problem.
