Tensions are rising between residents of Robert Sinyoka and neighbouring Old Pumula after several donkeys were allegedly stabbed to death, in a dispute linked to crop destruction. The incident follows complaints from Old Pumula residents last week that roaming donkeys were invading maize fields, trampling crops and threatening food security amid Zimbabwe’s worsening economic conditions. Two donkeys were reported dead and another critically injured.
Owners in Robert Sinyoka say the killings have left them devastated and struggling to protect their livelihoods. Sibongile Khumalo, one of the affected owners, said she had worked in South Africa to buy the animals. “I bought these donkeys from someone in Pumula and have been using them for farming purposes and for fetching water because we also breed chickens, so we fetch water for them using a donkey-drawn cart,” she said.
“I would rather the person who found my donkey destroying their crops had reported the matter to me. I would have paid for the damage caused instead of attacking an animal,” said Khumalo. Her daughter, Priviledge Moyo, said the family searched for their missing donkey for several days before discovering it had been stabbed.
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“We searched for our donkey from Monday last week without success. A neighbour later told us that he had found his donkey stabbed. We also found ours stabbed, and it later succumbed to its injuries,” she said.
She added that attempts to report the matter had been delayed. “I went to report the matter at the police station but was told that the officer responsible for stock theft cases was unavailable. I am still waiting for him,” said Moyo. Another resident, Hlanganani Sibanda, said his pregnant donkey was killed while inside its kraal.
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