By Connect Stories Reporter
A 67-year-old grand mother from Kariba has become the latest resident to survive multiple attacks by wild animals, recounting a harrowing journey marked by fear, injuries, and narrow escapes in her own home area.
Gogo Reason Chitana, a mother and grandmother of the community, survived two separate serious incidents first involving an elephant in June 2024, and more recently a lion attack attempt at her house in Garaikao , Kariba.
In June 2024, Chitana said she was attacked while returning from the market when an elephant charged her.
The attack reportedly left her injured on her right leg, forcing her to seek hospital care. She spent about two months at Kariba Hospital, according to family members and community sources.
“Up to now, the memory of that day still causes fear,” one relative said. “But she kept moving and recovered as best as she
The latest incident happened on Monday evening at around 7:00 PM.
Chitana was fetching water near her home when witnesses say a lioness** suddenly ran towards her. The moment quickly turned chaotic as the elderly woman struggled to protect herself.
Accounts from residents suggest she was saved by several reams/remeaning youths and by loud noise including the sound of a bucket falling from her head**. Community members believe the sudden noise **confused the lioness, causing it to run away instead of continuing the attack.
“It looked like the lioness meant business, but the noise made it lose direction,” said one neighbor.
However, the threat did not end after the first escape.
Residents reported that the lioness came back later the same night, returning with more aggression. This time, the animal allegedly attacked and killed seven ducks at Chitana’s homestead.
For the family, the second appearance of the lioness turned the night into a tense struggle between wildlife and daily survival.
“We thank God she survived, but the fear is still there,” one community member said.
Adding to the growing concern, another tragedy was reported yesterday** in Negande, Kariba Rural, where a woman was killed while **watering her garden.
Community reports indicate that the incident involved wild animals, and it occurred as residents went about routine household activities.
In total, community claims indicate that **more than 20 people have been killed by wild animals, while over 10 others have been injured, in what many residents describe as increasing attacks across Kariba and surrounding areas.
Residents say the incidents highlight the urgent need for stronger safety measures, early warning systems, and coordinated response from relevant authorities to protect villagers—especially elders and families working outdoors.
As Chitana continues her recovery and adjusts to the reality of living near wildlife corridors, neighbors say they want immediate action to reduce the danger.
“We are not enemies of wildlife,” one resident stated. “We just need protection and guidance so that people can live safely.”
For now, the community holds on to the same message Chitana survived—but the attacks show how close death can be, even in the comfort of home.