Fatal Human–Elephant Encounter Recorded In Mukuni Chiefdom

Lusaka, 25th April 2026 —

The Ministry of Tourism, through the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW), regrets to confirm a fatal human-wildlife conflict incident involving an African elephant in Mukuni Chiefdom,Siamapa Village, in Livingstone District.

The incident occurred between 22:00 hours and 23:00 hours on the night of 24th April 2026. The deceased has been identified as Ms. Lozia Ngawaka, aged 54, a resident of Siamapa Village.

Preliminary reports indicate that the victim, in the company of her husband, was walking from Mukuni Palace towards Siamapa Village when they encountered a roaming elephant within a known wildlife movement corridor. The elephant is believed to have charged during the encounter, resulting in the fatality. The husband survived the incident.

The Department of National Parks and Wildlife has since dispatched a field team to the area to verify details, assess the situation on the ground and ensure the safety of surrounding communities. The remains of the deceased have been collected and deposited at Batoka Mortuary pending burial arrangements.

Initial assessments suggest that the incident may have been a defensive reaction by the animal, possibly triggered by close proximity and reduced visibility during night hours, which are typically periods of increased elephant activity.

The Ministry extends its deepest condolences to the bereaved family and the community of Siamapa Village during this difficult time.

The Ministry further urges members of the public, particularly those living in or near wildlife corridors, to exercise heightened caution. Movement during late hours in such areas should be avoided, as it significantly increases the risk of encounters with wild animals.

In response to the incident, the Ministry, through DNPW, is intensifying community sensitization programmes, strengthening early warning systems and promoting the use of appropriate deterrent measures in high-risk areas.

Issaued by

Nelly Banda, Principal Public Relations Officer, Ministry of Tourism

Banda.Nelly@mot.gov.zm

Read more: Paying the Price - Living with Giants on the Keep Victoria Falls Wild website.  

Stakeholders unite to tackle deadly human-wildlife conflict in Vic Falls

 STAKEHOLDERS in the resort city of Victoria Falls have resolved to escalate community awareness and strengthen collaborative efforts to combat the rising tide of human-wildlife conflict that has claimed several lives in recent months.

This emerged during a high-level stakeholder meeting convened by the Victoria Falls City Council at the council chambers recently. 

The gathering brought together local authorities, Government departments, conservation partners, and residents to deliberate on practical solutions to the crisis.

City mayor, Councillor Prince Thuso Moyo, said the safety of residents remains the foremost priority, which led them to convene the meeting.

“Our residents have been attacked and killed while going about their daily lives, walking home from work, moving within communities, or carrying out routine activities,” he said.

Clr Moyo noted that while Victoria Falls is blessed with wildlife and natural heritage, co-existence must be guided by clear policies that protect human life. 

He also called for the operationalisation of the Government-driven “Human-Wildlife Conflict Compensation Fund” to ensure affected families receive timely support.

The meeting observed a minute of silence in memory of community members who have succumbed to attacks.

Delivering the technical perspective, Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (Zimparks) senior ecologist, Ms Maxine Tadyanehondo, urged residents to exercise extreme caution. 

She advised the public to study animal behaviour and avoid moving at night, particularly while under the influence of alcohol.

“We will continue to respond to distress calls and eliminate problem animals, but there is a critical need to raise awareness so that people understand the risks,” Ms Tadyanehondo said. 

“Wild animals are unpredictable, and we must adapt our behaviour to stay safe.”

The year 2026 has already witnessed tragic incidents in and around Victoria Falls. 

Authorities have recorded at least five deaths linked to elephant and crocodile attacks in the district since the beginning of the year, intensifying fears among communities living on the fringes of wildlife habitats.

Stakeholders at the meeting agreed to intensify public awareness campaigns and foster real-time communication between Zimparks and residents. 

The City Council also pledged to explore long-term mitigation measures, including the erection of wildlife barriers and the improvement of lighting in high-risk areas.

Residents were urged to report sightings promptly and to remain vigilant at all times.

Zimparks revealed that Zimbabwe recorded a sharp rise in human-wildlife conflict (HWC), driven largely by climate-induced environmental pressures, with more than 60 lives lost in 2025 alone.

The authority also noted with deep concern the continued escalation of conflict cases since 2023, a trend directly linked to climate change and intensifying competition for dwindling water and grazing resources.

The alarming increase forms part of a wider regional and global pattern, where shifting weather patterns and habitat degradation are pushing wildlife and humans into closer, more frequent and often dangerous contact.

According to ZimParks data, reported cases increased from 1,654 in 2024 to 2,090 in 2025, a 26 percent jump.

While response teams attended to over 99 percent of reported cases, the human and economic toll has been severe.

The year 2025 saw 62 fatalities and 81 injuries, up from 49 deaths and 90 injuries the previous year. Livestock losses are more than doubled, from 362 in 2024 to 801 in 2025.

Source: Stakeholders unite to tackle deadly human-wildlife conflict in Vic Falls (18/03/2026)

Tragedy strikes again, female guard killed by elephant in Victoria Falls

 BARELY a week after a fatal elephant attack claimed a life in Mkhosana Suburb, another tragedy has hit Victoria Falls.

A female security guard was trampled to death by an elephant in Chinotimba Suburb on Sunday morning.

The woman, whose name is being withheld pending family notification, was on duty guarding a booster station when she was attacked.

Her lifeless body was discovered by a passer-by in the early hours of Sunday.

This incident follows last Sunday’s death of 42-year-old Gift Siziba, who was trampled by an elephant in Mkhosana Suburb.

The back-to-back fatalities have left the city in shock and fear.

Source: Tragedy strikes again, female guard killed by elephant in Victoria Falls (22/02/2026)

Horror in Mkhosana suburb…Jumbo tramples man to death as residents watch

 RESIDENTS of Mkhosana suburb in the CBZ area of Victoria Falls have been left in a state of deep shock and trauma after witnessing a marauding elephant fatally trample a 42-year-old man on Sunday night. 

The incident, which occurred around 11PM, claimed the life of Gift Siziba, a local resident, who was on his way to a funeral of a colleague he worked with at Wild Horizon. 

The attack unfolded at a house belonging to Mr Innocent Chidarera, who, along with other neighbours, watched in horror as the tragedy unfolded just metres from their windows. 

Speaking to the Chronicle yesterday, a visibly shaken Mr Chidarera recounted the terrifying moments when the elephant turned his property into the scene of a fatal attack. 

He described the incident as a traumatic experience that will haunt him for a long time.

“I am the owner of the premises where this unfortunate incident happened. It was, I think, around 11PM. I was asleep and was with my wife inside the house. We heard an elephant trumpeting,” said Mr Chidarera. 

He said the sound of footsteps followed the initial trumpeting. As he and his wife peeped through their curtain, they were met with a sight of sheer terror. 

“We opened our curtain, we found that a man was crawling under this tree and the elephant was in pursuit. When it got to the man, it went on its knees. I think it was using its horns to attack him,” Mr Chidarera said. 

The proximity of the attack left the family gripped with fear. 

“We could not see much because this tree was also obstructing. However, the elephant was so close, it was so close that you could touch it from the house,” he said. 

Desperate to intervene, Mr Chidarera tried to create a disturbance. 

“So, I also tried to make some noise inside. Then it trumpeted again and sprang. Then all the neighbours, I think they were watching from their windows. Everyone came out and then we saw a restless man, or I can say a lifeless body, lying beside my window. I am traumatised,” he said. 

A neighbour, who identified herself as Prophetess Margaret said she had heard the elephants moving around earlier in the evening but never imagined the horror that was about to unfold. 

“I first heard the elephants around 9PM, but it is common here. Then around 10:30PM, the trumpets sounded suspicious, and they drew near to my house. After a few minutes, we just heard my neighbours crying,” she said. 

Prophetess Margaret called on the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (Zimparks) to act urgently to prevent further loss of life.

“This is too much for us. We live in fear every day. I am appealing to Zimparks to move in and ensure this dangerous elephant is driven away or killed before it claims another life. We cannot continue living like this,” she pleaded. 

Matabeleland North Provincial Police spokesperson, Inspector Glory Banda, confirmed the tragic incident, urging the public to be extra vigilant, especially at night when human-wildlife conflict is high. 

“A 42-year-old man, Gift Siziba, was walking at around 10:30pm when he encountered an elephant, which charged towards him. He tried to run towards the houses but the elephant caught up with him and trampled him to death,” said Insp Banda. 

“Residents tried to scare it away, but unfortunately, he had already died upon their arrival,” he added. 

The death of Mr Siziba has cast a dark shadow over the Mkhosana community, with residents calling for an urgent review of safety measures to protect people from wildlife that frequently wanders into residential areas.

Source: Horror in Mkhosana suburb…Jumbo tramples man to death as residents watch (16/02/2026)

Elephant Kills Man in Victoria Falls

 A 42-year-old Victoria Falls man has died after being trampled by an elephant, in yet another reminder of the growing risks of human-wildlife encounters in the resort town.

Police say the incident happened around 10:30pm on Sunday near the Vehicle Inspection Department, commonly known as VID.

According to Matebeleland North police spokesperson Inspector Glory Banda, the man was walking through the area when he reportedly came across a lone elephant that became aggressive and attacked him.

Inspector Banda says the victim died at the scene.

Authorities are urging residents and visitors to avoid walking at night and to remain alert, as elephants and other wildlife frequently move into residential and commercial areas in search of food and water.

Source: Elephant Kills Man in Victoria Falls (16/02/2026)

Livingstone woman dies after confronting elephant

A 45-YEAR-OLD woman of Livingstone has died after succumbing to injuries she sustained when she confronted elephants that were passing near her compound while she was drinking beer with friends. In a statement, Southern Province Police Commanding Officer Auxensio Daka said while her friends ran to safety, the deceased, identified as Loveness Moono, attempted to chase the elephants away. “On September 27, 2025, at around 03:45 hours, Linda Police Station received a report of an elephant attack from Ms Blessings Kawana, aged 36, of Linda Compound, Livingstone. She reported that her aunt, Ms Loveness Moono, aged 45, of the same area, had been attacked by an elephant and sustained multiple injuries.

Source: Drunk L/Stone woman dies after confronting elephant (28th September 2025)

Read More:

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (26th September 2025) ElephantsClaim 7 Lives in Livingstone Since January 2025.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (15th September 2025) Elephant kills 16-yr-old Livingstone boy.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (15th September 2025) Boy Killed by Elephant in Livingstone.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (13th August 2025) Zambian Ministry Of Tourism Holds Human-Wildlife Conflict Stakeholders Meeting.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (25th July 2025) Ministry warns residents from provoking elephants.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (28th June 2025) Elephant kills wildlife accountant in Livingstone-Zambia.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (3rd April 2025) Roaming elephants a giant headache for Zambia.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (2nd April 2025) Over 100 elephants have migrated into Livingstone, DNPW warns.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (1st April 2025). Elephants and Hippos Threaten Lives of Livingstone Residents.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (22nd June 2024) Elephant kills American tourist in Zambia.

See also (external links, open in a new window):

Living with giants (www.worldwildlife.org, Spring 2025)

When hungry elephants and people clash (www.npr.org, March 2025)

Infrastructure Disruption of Elephant Passages (20th February 2025)

The Elephant Whisperers of Livingstone (worldpressphoto.org, 2025)

Curfew in Livingstone (nhm.ac.uk, 2024)

Human-Wildlife Conflict In Dambwa South, Livingstone Zambia (https://uncoverkavangozambezi.com/, 2023)

Elephants Claim 7 Lives in Livingstone Since January 2025

 At least seven people have been killed by Elephants in Livingstone, Southern province, from January to September this year.

Tourism Minister, Rodney Sikumba says the government is working towards ensuring that no deaths are recorded as a result of elephant attacks. Speaking during a town hall meeting to discuss human animal conflict, Mr. Sikumba said the government is taking proactive measures.

Mr. Sikumba, who earlier inspected the fence being put around the Mosi Tunya National Park, has called for the reinforcement of the wire to make it strong.

Source: Elephants Claim 7 Lives in Livingstone Since January 2025 (ZNBC Today, 25th September 2025) 

Read More:

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (28th September 2025) Livingstone woman dies after confronting elephant.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (26th September 2025) Elephants Claim 7 Lives in Livingstone Since January 2025.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (15th September 2025) Elephant kills 16-yr-old Livingstone boy.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (15th September 2025) Boy Killed by Elephant in Livingstone.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (13th August 2025) Zambian Ministry Of Tourism Holds Human-Wildlife Conflict Stakeholders Meeting.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (25th July 2025) Ministry warns residents from provoking elephants.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (28th June 2025) Elephant kills wildlife accountant in Livingstone-Zambia.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (3rd April 2025) Roaming elephants a giant headache for Zambia.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (2nd April 2025) Over 100 elephants have migrated into Livingstone, DNPW warns.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (1st April 2025). Elephants and Hippos Threaten Lives of Livingstone Residents.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (22nd June 2024) Elephant kills American tourist in Zambia.

See also (external links, open in a new window):

Living with giants (www.worldwildlife.org, Spring 2025)

When hungry elephants and people clash (www.npr.org, March 2025)

The Elephant Whisperers of Livingstone (worldpressphoto.org, 2025)

Curfew in Livingstone (nhm.ac.uk, 2024)

Human-Wildlife Conflict In Dambwa South, Livingstone Zambia (https://uncoverkavangozambezi.com/, 2023)

Elephant kills 16-yr-old Livingstone boy

A 16-YEAR-OLD boy of Livingstone has been trampled to death by an elephant after it got agitated and charged at the deceased who was pursuing the animals with others. Southern Province Police Commanding Officer Auxensio Daka confirmed the human/animal conflict incident and named the deceased as Onismon Njamba Junior. “On September 12, 2025, at around 07:30 hours, Dambwa Central Police Post under Livingstone Central Police Station received a report of a fatal elephant attack from Mr Onismon Njamba, aged 40, of Dambwa Site and Service Extension, Livingstone. He reported that his son, Onismon Njamba Junior, aged 16, had been attacked and killed by an elephant near Toyota Zambia Limited in Dambwa Central Township, Livingstone District. 

Source: Elephant kills 16-yr-old Livingstone boy (14/09/2025)

Read More:

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (28th September 2025) Livingstone woman dies after confronting elephant.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (26th September 2025) Elephants Claim 7 Lives in Livingstone Since January 2025.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (15th September 2025) Elephant kills 16-yr-old Livingstone boy.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (15th September 2025) Boy Killed by Elephant in Livingstone.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (13th August 2025) Zambian Ministry Of Tourism Holds Human-Wildlife Conflict Stakeholders Meeting.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (25th July 2025) Ministry warns residents from provoking elephants.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (28th June 2025) Elephant kills wildlife accountant in Livingstone-Zambia.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (3rd April 2025) Roaming elephants a giant headache for Zambia.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (2nd April 2025) Over 100 elephants have migrated into Livingstone, DNPW warns.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (1st April 2025). Elephants and Hippos Threaten Lives of Livingstone Residents.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (22nd June 2024) Elephant kills American tourist in Zambia.

See also (external links, open in a new window):

Living with giants (www.worldwildlife.org, Spring 2025)

When hungry elephants and people clash (www.npr.org, March 2025)

The Elephant Whisperers of Livingstone (worldpressphoto.org, 2025)

Curfew in Livingstone (nhm.ac.uk, 2024)

Human-Wildlife Conflict In Dambwa South, Livingstone Zambia (https://uncoverkavangozambezi.com/, 2023)

Boy Killed by Elephant in Livingstone

 A young boy has died after being trampled by an elephant in a community near Livingstone, in an incident local authorities attribute to ongoing human-wildlife conflict in the region. The event occurred over the weekend in a residential area adjacent to Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park.

Preliminary reports indicate that the elephant, believed to have wandered from the national park, entered the community. According to witnesses, the animal encountered the boy, who was reportedly playing outdoors at the time. Efforts by residents to intervene were unsuccessful.

Family members and local residents have expressed grief following the incident. A representative from the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) offered condolences to the affected family and confirmed that officials are assessing the situation.

This incident occurs within a broader context of increasing wildlife encounters in areas surrounding Zambian national parks, particularly during dry seasons when animals may venture closer to human settlements in search of food and water. Livingstone, situated near Victoria Falls, is both a major tourist destination and an area where communities and wildlife habitats intersect.

The DNPW has reiterated its commitment to managing human-wildlife conflict through patrols and community awareness programs. Officials also emphasize the importance of residents remaining vigilant, particularly in regions close to protected areas.

Conservation and community groups have long noted the challenges posed by human-wildlife conflict in the region. Some advocates call for enhanced protective measures, such as improved barriers and early-warning systems, to help prevent similar tragedies.

Local community leaders have urged authorities to consider additional strategies to ensure safety, with some mentioning the need for timely support for affected families. The DNPW states that it continues to work with communities to develop and implement effective wildlife management practices.

As investigations into the incident continue, the conversation around sustainable coexistence between communities and wildlife remains a significant issue for residents, conservationists, and policymakers in the region.

Source: Boy Killed by Elephant in Livingstone (14/09/2025)

Read More:

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (28th September 2025) Livingstone woman dies after confronting elephant.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (26th September 2025) Elephants Claim 7 Lives in Livingstone Since January 2025.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (15th September 2025) Elephant kills 16-yr-old Livingstone boy.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (15th September 2025) Boy Killed by Elephant in Livingstone.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (13th August 2025) Zambian Ministry Of Tourism Holds Human-Wildlife Conflict Stakeholders Meeting.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (25th July 2025) Ministry warns residents from provoking elephants.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (28th June 2025) Elephant kills wildlife accountant in Livingstone-Zambia.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (3rd April 2025) Roaming elephants a giant headache for Zambia.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (2nd April 2025) Over 100 elephants have migrated into Livingstone, DNPW warns.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (1st April 2025). Elephants and Hippos Threaten Lives of Livingstone Residents.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (22nd June 2024) Elephant kills American tourist in Zambia.

See also (external links, open in a new window):

Living with giants (www.worldwildlife.org, Spring 2025)

When hungry elephants and people clash (www.npr.org, March 2025)

The Elephant Whisperers of Livingstone (worldpressphoto.org, 2025)

Curfew in Livingstone (nhm.ac.uk, 2024)

Human-Wildlife Conflict In Dambwa South, Livingstone Zambia (https://uncoverkavangozambezi.com/, 2023)

Zambian Ministry Of Tourism Holds Human-Wildlife Conflict Stakeholders Meeting

Lusaka – 13/08/2025

The Ministry of Tourism today convened a multi-stakeholder meeting at Radison Blu Hotel in Lusaka to address the growing challenge of Human-Wildlife Conflict (HWC) in Zambia.

The meeting brought together representatives from government ministries, traditional leaders, cooperating partners, conservation organisations, community resource boards and the private sector to discuss practical solutions to ensure the safety and livelihoods of communities living near wildlife areas, while safeguarding the country’s biodiversity.

Speaking during the opening session, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Mr. Evans Muhanga said the Government is committed to finding balanced solutions that protect both human lives and wildlife.

"Human-wildlife conflict is not merely an environmental challenge it is a social, economic and developmental issue. We must address it in a way that ensures harmony between people and wildlife while promoting tourism and rural development.

Through the Department of National Parks and Wildlife, we are strengthening early warning systems, increasing community awareness, and supporting innovative deterrent methods to reduce conflict," Mr. Muhanga said.

Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) Director, Dominic Chiinda, reaffirmed the department’s role as first responders in mitigating conflict situations.

"Our teams, including village scouts and community resource boards, are on the frontline every day. We are enhancing rapid response capacity, introducing non-lethal deterrents such as chilli-based repellents, and working closely with traditional leaders to create safe zones for both people and wildlife," the DNPW Director said.

Cooperating partners, including international conservation NGOs and development agencies, shared best practices and pledged continued support for Zambia’s Human Wildlife Conflict mitigation efforts. They emphasised the need for:

-Long-term investment in community-led conservation initiatives.

-Greater integration of local knowledge in wildlife management.

-Strengthened cross-border collaboration to address migratory wildlife challenges.

-Support for research and innovation in HWC prevention technologies.

-Development of a National Human-Wildlife Conflict Strategy.

The meeting further agreed that the solutions to human-wildlife conflict requires a united approach for all voices to be heard and ensures that future actions are not only government-led but co-owned by communities, conservationists and the private sector.

The Ministry described the meeting as a milestone in Zambia’s ongoing efforts to balance conservation goals with community needs, adding that the resolutions made will guide both immediate and long-term interventions in HWC management

The meeting concluded with stakeholders agreeing to develop a set of joint recommendations to guide immediate and long-term action on HWC management, aligned with Zambia’s conservation and tourism objectives.

Issued by

Nelly Banda, Principal Public Relations Officer, Ministry of Tourism

Banda.Nelly@mot.gov.zm

 Read More:

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (28th September 2025) Livingstone woman dies after confronting elephant.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (26th September 2025) Elephants Claim 7 Lives in Livingstone Since January 2025.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (15th September 2025) Elephant kills 16-yr-old Livingstone boy.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (15th September 2025) Boy Killed by Elephant in Livingstone.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (13th August 2025) Zambian Ministry Of Tourism Holds Human-Wildlife Conflict Stakeholders Meeting.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (25th July 2025) Ministry warns residents from provoking elephants.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (28th June 2025) Elephant kills wildlife accountant in Livingstone-Zambia.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (3rd April 2025) Roaming elephants a giant headache for Zambia.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (2nd April 2025) Over 100 elephants have migrated into Livingstone, DNPW warns.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (1st April 2025). Elephants and Hippos Threaten Lives of Livingstone Residents.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (22nd June 2024) Elephant kills American tourist in Zambia.

See also (external links, open in a new window):

Living with giants (www.worldwildlife.org, Spring 2025)

When hungry elephants and people clash (www.npr.org, March 2025)

The Elephant Whisperers of Livingstone (worldpressphoto.org, 2025)

Curfew in Livingstone (nhm.ac.uk, 2024)

Human-Wildlife Conflict In Dambwa South, Livingstone Zambia (https://uncoverkavangozambezi.com/, 2023)

Zambian Ministry of Tourism warns residents from provoking elephants

MINISTRY OF TOURISM WARNS AGAINST DELIBERATE IRRITATION OF ELEPHANTS – CALLS FOR RESPONSIBLE BEHAVIOUR AROUND WILDLIFE

Lusaka, Thursday, 24th July 2025

The Ministry of Tourism has noted with serious concern a video circulating on social media showing individuals deliberately provoking elephants in Livingstone. Such behaviour agitates elephants and compromises public safety.

We, therefore, wish to categorically warn members of the public, especially those living in or visiting areas where elephants and other wild animals are present, against deliberately irritating or provoking wildlife by shouting, chasing or throwing objects at them. Generally, elephants are calm but wild and dangerous animals that, when provoked, can become aggressive and cause fatal harm to humans or damage to property.

In this enlightment, the Ministry wishes to remind the public that:

1. Wild animals must be treated with respect and caution. They are not to be approached, taunted, or interacted with for entertainment purposes.

2. Deliberate provocation of wildlife constitutes an offense under the Zambia Wildlife Act and may result in prosecution, fines, or imprisonment of perpetrators.

3. Provocation of elephants may cause loss of human life and other fatalities and may result in the unnecessary killing of animals that were otherwise peaceful, all due to human recklessness.

We urge communities and individuals to take the following safety measures seriously:

- Keep a safe distance of more than 50m from the elephants and all wildlife.

- Do not attempt to feed, chase, or mock animals.

- Report any stray or threatening animal activity to the Department of National Parks and Wildlife immediately.

- Educate children and visitors about the importance of wildlife conservation and the need for co-existence.

The Ministry, through the Department of National Parks and Wildlife, continues to work with communities and stakeholders to promote coexistence between humans and wildlife. However, this can only be successful if all citizens play their part by acting responsibly and respectfully toward our natural heritage.

Let us remember that wildlife is a national treasure and must be protected not provoked.

Issued by Nelly Banda Principal Public Relations Officer, Ministry of Tourism

 

Read More:

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (28th September 2025) Livingstone woman dies after confronting elephant.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (26th September 2025) Elephants Claim 7 Lives in Livingstone Since January 2025.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (15th September 2025) Elephant kills 16-yr-old Livingstone boy.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (15th September 2025) Boy Killed by Elephant in Livingstone.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (13th August 2025) Zambian Ministry Of Tourism Holds Human-Wildlife Conflict Stakeholders Meeting.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (25th July 2025) Ministry warns residents from provoking elephants.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (28th June 2025) Elephant kills wildlife accountant in Livingstone-Zambia.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (3rd April 2025) Roaming elephants a giant headache for Zambia.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (2nd April 2025) Over 100 elephants have migrated into Livingstone, DNPW warns.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (1st April 2025). Elephants and Hippos Threaten Lives of Livingstone Residents.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (22nd June 2024) Elephant kills American tourist in Zambia.

See also (external links, open in a new window):

Living with giants (www.worldwildlife.org, Spring 2025)

When hungry elephants and people clash (www.npr.org, March 2025)

The Elephant Whisperers of Livingstone (worldpressphoto.org, 2025)

Curfew in Livingstone (nhm.ac.uk, 2024)

Human-Wildlife Conflict In Dambwa South, Livingstone Zambia (https://uncoverkavangozambezi.com/, 2023)

 

Elephant kills wildlife accountant in Livingstone

An accountant from the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) has been trampled to death by an elephant in Livingstone, in what is now the second fatal human-wildlife conflict incident in the area within 24 hours. The tragedy occurred barely a day after an unidentified man, believed to be in his 30s, was also killed by an elephant in Railways Compound around 04:00 hours. Confirming the latest incident, Southern Province Police Commanding Officer Auxensio Daka said the matter was reported to Dambwa Central Police Post around 03:00 hours on Thursday.

Source: Elephant kills wildlife accountant in Livingstone (27/06/2025)

Read More:

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (28th September 2025) Livingstone woman dies after confronting elephant.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (26th September 2025) Elephants Claim 7 Lives in Livingstone Since January 2025.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (15th September 2025) Elephant kills 16-yr-old Livingstone boy.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (13th August 2025) Zambian Ministry Of Tourism Holds Human-Wildlife Conflict Stakeholders Meeting.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (25th July 2025) Ministry warns residents from provoking elephants.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (28th June 2025) Elephant kills wildlife accountant in Livingstone-Zambia.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (3rd April 2025) Roaming elephants a giant headache for Zambia.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (2nd April 2025) Over 100 elephants have migrated into Livingstone, DNPW warns.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (1st April 2025). Elephants and Hippos Threaten Lives of Livingstone Residents.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (22nd June 2024) Elephant kills American tourist in Zambia.

See also (external links, open in a new window):

Living with giants (www.worldwildlife.org, Spring 2025)

When hungry elephants and people clash (www.npr.org, March 2025)

The Elephant Whisperers of Livingstone (worldpressphoto.org, 2025)

Curfew in Livingstone (nhm.ac.uk, 2024)

Human-Wildlife Conflict In Dambwa South, Livingstone Zambia (https://uncoverkavangozambezi.com/, 2023)

Roaming elephants a giant headache for Zambia

 RISKS of renewed human-wildlife conflict is rife in Zambia as the El Niño-induced drought forces the migration of elephants from neighbouring Zimbabwe, earlier than usual.

A breeding herd of approximately 150 elephants, including calves, have arrived since early March.

These majestic animals traditionally migrate between Zimbabwe and Zambia from September to December.

The herd has migrated to the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park in Livingstone, Zambia.

This development is attributed to the dry season and ecological conditions, leading elephants from the adjacent Victoria Falls and Zambezi National Parks in Zimbabwe to seek food and water resources in Zambia, up north.

The Zambezi-Mosi-oa-Tunya Wildlife Dispersal Area, where they have headed, is a key component of the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA TFCA), hosting an estimated population of 9 500 elephants.

This early migration has raised safety concerns, particularly following incidents in 2024, where 13 people lost their lives and four were injured in elephant encounters.

“Therefore, we urge residents, road users and communities in and around Livingstone to exercise extreme caution,” said Nelly Banda, Principal Public Relations Officer in Zambia’s Ministry of Tourism.

Motorists have been advised to drive slowly and yield to elephants when crossing active corridors.

Pedestrians and cyclists are discouraged from crossing such corridors during dark hours and farmers are encouraged to employ traditional deterrents, including fires and noise, to protect crops.

“The Ministry of Tourism remains committed to safeguarding human lives and wildlife, ensuring peaceful coexistence while promoting Zambia’s unique natural heritage,” Banda said.

Southern Africa hosts the largest population of elephants in the world.

Source: Roaming elephants a giant headache for Zambia (03/04/2025)

Read More:

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (28th September 2025) Livingstone woman dies after confronting elephant.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (26th September 2025) Elephants Claim 7 Lives in Livingstone Since January 2025.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (15th September 2025) Elephant kills 16-yr-old Livingstone boy.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (13th August 2025) Zambian Ministry Of Tourism Holds Human-Wildlife Conflict Stakeholders Meeting.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (25th July 2025) Ministry warns residents from provoking elephants.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (28th June 2025) Elephant kills wildlife accountant in Livingstone-Zambia.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (3rd April 2025) Roaming elephants a giant headache for Zambia.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (2nd April 2025) Over 100 elephants have migrated into Livingstone, DNPW warns.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (1st April 2025). Elephants and Hippos Threaten Lives of Livingstone Residents.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (22nd June 2024) Elephant kills American tourist in Zambia.

See also (external links, open in a new window):

Living with giants (www.worldwildlife.org, Spring 2025)

When hungry elephants and people clash (www.npr.org, March 2025)

The Elephant Whisperers of Livingstone (worldpressphoto.org, 2025)

Curfew in Livingstone (nhm.ac.uk, 2024)

Human-Wildlife Conflict In Dambwa South, Livingstone Zambia (https://uncoverkavangozambezi.com/, 2023)

Over 100 elephants have migrated into Livingstone, DNPW warns

THE Southern Region Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) has warned Livingstone residents and visitors to exercise caution, as over 100 elephants from the Zambezi-Mosi-oa-Tunya Wildlife Disposal Area have migrated into the town. In a statement, DNPW Senior Warden Wilfred Moonga stated that due to the onset of the dry season, the elephants had started migrating to Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park from the adjacent Victoria Falls and Zambezi National Parks in Zimbabwe. “This serves to warn the Livingstone residents, and visitors alike, that owing to the onset of the dry season, the elephants have started migrating to the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park from the adjacent Victoria Falls and Zambezi National Parks in Zimbabwe. 

Source: Over 100 elephants have migrated into Livingstone, DNPW warns (01/04/2025)

Read More:

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (28th September 2025) Livingstone woman dies after confronting elephant.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (26th September 2025) Elephants Claim 7 Lives in Livingstone Since January 2025.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (15th September 2025) Elephant kills 16-yr-old Livingstone boy.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (13th August 2025) Zambian Ministry Of Tourism Holds Human-Wildlife Conflict Stakeholders Meeting.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (25th July 2025) Ministry warns residents from provoking elephants.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (28th June 2025) Elephant kills wildlife accountant in Livingstone-Zambia.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (3rd April 2025) Roaming elephants a giant headache for Zambia.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (2nd April 2025) Over 100 elephants have migrated into Livingstone, DNPW warns.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (1st April 2025). Elephants and Hippos Threaten Lives of Livingstone Residents.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (22nd June 2024) Elephant kills American tourist in Zambia.

See also (external links, open in a new window):

Living with giants (www.worldwildlife.org, Spring 2025)

When hungry elephants and people clash (www.npr.org, March 2025)

The Elephant Whisperers of Livingstone (worldpressphoto.org, 2025)

Curfew in Livingstone (nhm.ac.uk, 2024)

Human-Wildlife Conflict In Dambwa South, Livingstone Zambia (https://uncoverkavangozambezi.com/, 2023)

Elephants and Hippos Threaten Lives of Livingstone Residents

The escalating human-wildlife conflict in Livingstone, Zambia, particularly around Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, poses a growing threat as elephants and hippos stray into human settlements, causing injuries and deaths.

Boyd Namushi, a 47-year-old father of seven from Livingstone’s Nakatindi Ward, vividly remembers the chilling roar—”kweeeee!”—that signaled a life-threatening encounter with an elephant.

On his way home to Mall-Light around 17:30, he unknowingly crossed paths with a herd. One elephant trailed him before launching a sudden attack, knocking him to the ground and piercing his armpit with its tusks, breaking his collarbone. “I lost consciousness,” Namushi recalls. He was severely injured and hospitalised at Livingstone University Teaching Hospital from October 22 to December 8, 2024.

Dambwa Site resident Emeldah Hakata confirms frequent sightings of elephants and hippos in the area. “We see them in our community. Just two weeks ago, a man was killed by a hippo here,” she said while having nshima with soya chunks under a small tree.

Hakata also expressed frustration over the delayed installation of a promised wire fence around the park. “The authorities assured us they would install it, but they only dug the pole holes months ago, and since then, nothing has been done,” she alleged.

Official sources report that at least 12 people in Livingstone and Kazungula lost their lives to elephant attacks in 2024 alone, with most incidents happening at night, often involving intoxicated victims.

Among those who lost their lives during this period were Simonda Chaluba (45) of Kashitu Extension Compound, killed on November 27 at around 03:00; Patrick Libuku Singongi (43) of Nakatindi Compound, attacked on November 3 at 23:20; and Violet Nyambe (45) of Sawmills Compound, who was fatally attacked in Cold Storage Compound on November 17 at 19:00hrs.

According to Southern Province Police Commissioner Auxensio Daka, all three victims were allegedly returning from drinking sprees when they were attacked.

Tourism Minister and Livingstone Constituency Member of Parliament, Rodney Sikumba expressed deep concern over the sharp rise in elephant-related deaths in Kazungula and 

Livingstone, which increased from two in 2023 to 12 in 2024.

Speaking at the Human-Elephant Coexistence Campaign launch on December 18, 2024, Sikumba noted that 90% of victims were attacked at night while intoxicated.

He urged local councils to stop indiscriminate land allocation, warning that human settlements dangerously close to Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park were fuelling the conflict.

“Yes, you want revenue from land rates, but you cannot allocate land anywhere. Here in Nakatindi, the park and the community are only separated by a single stride—do you think there won’t be conflict?” he questioned, physically demonstrating the proximity.

The minister also emphasised the need for community wildlife scouts to support the Department of National Parks and Wildlife in sensitising residents and discouraging them from provoking elephants.

“We are not sitting idly as a government, watching people die or lose crops. That’s why we invest heavily in programs like the Farmer Input Support Program (FISP),” he stated, dismissing claims that the government prioritizes wildlife over human lives.

While residents blame wild animals for the attacks, human activities are also a contributing factor. A visit to Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park revealed that a private school has been built just three metres from the park’s boundary, with residential houses also within the same radius.

However, the Zambia Wildlife Act No. 14 of 2015 prohibits the construction of any structures within 500 metres of a national park boundary—a regulation designed to mitigate human-wildlife conflict and protect the park’s ecosystems.

The Department of National Parks and Wildlife has yet to respond to MakanDay’s request for comment.

However, Nakatindi Ward Councillor Jackson Hang’ombe, whose jurisdiction includes part of Zambia’s smallest national park, notes that human encroachment has worsened the situation.

“Some houses are built just a metre away from the park’s wire fence,” he disclosed.

Hang’ombe added that vandalism of the park’s fence has contributed to the rising cases of 

human-wildlife conflict in the area.

But World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) – Zambia Wildlife Programme Lead, Teddy Mukula, has urged residents to avoid provoking elephants, as this often leads to defensive retaliation.

“There are several elephant behaviors we need to understand. When provoked, elephants will retaliate to defend themselves,” he warned.

Mukula stressed that learning and respecting elephant behaviour is essential for ensuring peaceful human-wildlife coexistence.

Livingstone City Mayor Constance Muleabai was contacted for comment on the encroachment of Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park but had not responded by press time. However, in a Facebook statement posted two days later, Ms. Muleabai attributed the increasing human-wildlife conflict to the growing demand for land conversion into settlements, agriculture, and infrastructure development driven by Livingstone’s expanding population.

“This expansion has the potential to obstruct the migratory routes of elephants, causing them to disperse into areas they have not traditionally visited, which may lead to human-wildlife conflict,” she explained. Her 12-paragraph statement also revealed that the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) has established a Problem Animal Control Unit (PACU), staffed with 24/7 officers to provide rapid response to reported wildlife incidents.

While government initiatives such as the Problem Animal Control Unit (PACU), fencing projects, and community sensitisation efforts are steps in the right direction, victims like Namushi believe more needs to be done to protect both human lives and wildlife. An artist by trade, Namushi says the attack has left him unable to craft curios for sale, affecting his livelihood and his family’s well-being.

Source: Elephants and Hippos Threaten Lives of Livingstone Residents (31/03/2025)

Read More:

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (28th September 2025) Livingstone woman dies after confronting elephant.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (26th September 2025) Elephants Claim 7 Lives in Livingstone Since January 2025.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (15th September 2025) Elephant kills 16-yr-old Livingstone boy.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (13th August 2025) Zambian Ministry Of Tourism Holds Human-Wildlife Conflict Stakeholders Meeting.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (25th July 2025) Ministry warns residents from provoking elephants.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (28th June 2025) Elephant kills wildlife accountant in Livingstone-Zambia.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (3rd April 2025) Roaming elephants a giant headache for Zambia.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (2nd April 2025) Over 100 elephants have migrated into Livingstone, DNPW warns.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (1st April 2025). Elephants and Hippos Threaten Lives of Livingstone Residents.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (22nd June 2024) Elephant kills American tourist in Zambia.

See also (external links, open in a new window):

Living with giants (www.worldwildlife.org, Spring 2025)

When hungry elephants and people clash (www.npr.org, March 2025)

The Elephant Whisperers of Livingstone (worldpressphoto.org, 2025)

Curfew in Livingstone (nhm.ac.uk, 2024)

Human-Wildlife Conflict In Dambwa South, Livingstone Zambia (https://uncoverkavangozambezi.com/, 2023)