Man Trampled To Death By Elephants While Cycling With His Friends

A man was trampled to death by elephants while in Matabeleland South Province. Sikhumbuzo Gumbo, 34, from Dombulefu ward, was fatally attacked by a herd of elephants on Sunday afternoon while returning from Botswana.

The victim was part of a group cycling near Gungwe Dam, approximately 2 kilometres from the international border. Witnesses report the elephants – believed to be protective mothers with calves – charged unexpectedly as the group attempted to flee.

Man Trampled To Death By Elephants While Cycling With His Friends

“The young men abandoned their bicycles when the elephants appeared,” explained Bulilima RDC CEO Billiat Mlauzi. “While three escaped unharmed, Mr. Gumbo couldn’t outrun the animals.”

The elephants remained at the scene for hours, making it difficult for the response team to retrieve the body and delaying recovery operations until Monday morning.

A joint team including local game rangers, Zimbabwe Parks officials, and Mvimi Safaris personnel eventually retrieved the body.

ZimParks spokesperson Tinashe Farawo expressed sorrow over the incident:

“We mourn this preventable loss of life and continue investigating the circumstances.”

Community Support and Compensation

Under Bulilima’s Human-Wildlife Conflict Assistance Policy, the district council will provide funeral support, including a coffin and $250 financial assistance, to the grieving family.

This tragedy highlights Zimbabwe’s growing human-wildlife conflict crisis, particularly in border regions where animals frequently cross between protected areas and human settlements.

Preventing Future Tragedies

Conservationists urge improved early warning systems and community education programs to reduce such incidents. Authorities remind residents to exercise extreme caution in known wildlife corridors, especially near water sources during dry periods.