By McGeorge Mbare
BEITBRIDGE residents have been warned to be wary of jumbos that have moved into town from their habitat.
The warning came from Riot Athletics Club members who on their morning mountain hike witnessed elephant footprints and fresh dung near the Mawale Hills water tank close to the Government Village on the eastern side of Beitbridge Town.
The sightings were on Wednesday July 2026 at around 7:30am.
In an interview with Ziyah News Network, club member Mr Ndabah Ngoma said they were doing their usual morning hike on the eastern side of Beitbridge when they came across the footprints and fresh dung.
“Today, Wednesday July 15, I woke up at around 6:40am and as part of my daily ritual, my colleagues and I went to the hills near the tank. We were three, myself, Ngoma, Mr Nkolomi, and Ndicho Chitakira, a MET officer. On our way to the hills, we were surprised to see elephant footprints and dung. We also saw Mopani trees that had been felled presumably by the elephants. The dung was fresh, suggesting the elephants could have crossed towards dawn or early in the morning,” Ngoma said.
Ngoma also advised the Beitbridge community to be on the lookout.
“My advice to my colleagues and the community is that since it’s foggy in the morning, especially in that hills area, it is better to avoid travelling there early. Visibility is limited. The area has a flowing stream and bush, and wild animals can be around. I understand the lion that was widely reported a few months ago also used that route.”
The public and other hikers have been advised not to attempt to take pictures if they come across the animals, as these elephants are not accustomed to people like those kept in places such as Victoria Falls.
An official from Beitbridge Rural District Council said in Beitbridge people co-exist with wildlife and they should just be cautious.
Elephants are not strange to Beitbridge West communities, but they are rarely seen in Beitbridge Town itself.
Communities such as Toporo, Masera, Tshivhala, and Shashe have adapted to living around these large animals, despite the danger they pose, especially when they have calves.
Another important note for the public is that the area is also a hotspot for prayer groups and car hijackers.