Buffaloes scare in Karonga, Chitipa
Department of Parks and Wildlife has said three stray buffaloes that terrorised Mbemba Village in Traditional Authority Kyungu in Karonga District might be in Misuku Hills in Chitipa District.
The animals destroyed winter maize crops and cassava fields in the village last week.
In an interview yesterday, the department’s director Brighton Kumchedwa said the buffaloes are suspected to have originated from Tanzania.
He said the department deployed game rangers to the village to follow the footprints.
“I received the last report on Sunday that the buffaloes are going towards Misuku Hills. This means that they might be in the hills or they have gone beyond the border,” said Kumchedwa.
He also said game rangers only saw the footprints and did not physically see the stray animals.
The department has since withdrawn the rangers from the area.
In a separate interview yesterday, Pendo Mwangomba, a community member, said peace has returned to the village.
He said besides destroying crops, the buffaloes injured two people.
“One [of the victims] was riding a bicycle while the other was walking when they met their fate,” said Mwangomba.
