ZimParks ranger trampled to death by elephant
By Staff Reporter
In a sad incident, a 62-year-old Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) ranger was on Thursday trampled to death by an elephant at the Gatche-gatche area in Kariba.
In a statement, ZimParks spokesperson, Tinashe Farawo said Josphat Mandishara was attacked by the jumbo while on night patrol.
“The incident occurred on 13 March 2025, around 2200 hours, during a routine extended patrol in the Gatche-gatche area where the deceased was accompanied by two fellow ZimParks rangers and a detail from the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) when they went for resupply at the Gatche-gatche Irrigation Scheme.
“While his colleagues were occupied, ranger Mandishara returned to the harbour where their boat was docked. Unfortunately, during this short trip, he encountered a charged elephant that emerged unexpectedly and fatally injured him.
“His remains were transported to Kariba District Hospital for a post-mortem and the incident was reported to the police,” Farawo said.
The elephant will be taken down by the ZimParks to prevent future incidents.
“In response to this tragedy, ZimParks has dispatched Rangers from the Charara Safari Area to manage the problem animal,” he said.
“The safety of our staff and wildlife is our utmost priority, and we are committed to taking the necessary measures to prevent such incidents in the future,” reads the statement
He added, “The Director General, Prof. Edson Gandiwa and the ZimParks family extends their heartfelt condolence to the family, friends, and colleagues of Ranger Mandishara during this difficult time. He will be remembered for his dedication and service to wildlife conservation in Zimbabwe.”
