A 50-year-old Shaibu Bunanji has tragically died after being attacked by a wild elephant near Namizimu Forest Reserve at Chapola Village in the area of Traditional Authority Chowe in Mangochi District.
Bunanji had gone to his maize garden near the forest on March 29, 2026, to check on his crops and protect them from baboons. While in the field, a wild elephant suddenly emerged and attacked him, resulting in his instant death.
The incident was witnessed by neighbouring farmers who share garden boundaries with Bunanji. They tried to rescue him but were unsuccessful.
The incident was immediately reported to Lungwena Police Unit, who visited the scene accompanied by a medical practitioner from Lungwena Health Centre. A postmortem conducted revealed that death was due to severe head injuries and multiple fractures sustained during the attack.
Meanwhile, Police have notified the Department of National Parks and Wildlife for appropriate action.
Police have since advised communities living close to forest areas to exercise caution when working in their gardens or moving around areas where wild animals are likely to be found.
Bunanji hailed from Chapola Village, Traditional Authority Chowe in Mangochi District.
lnspector Amina Tepani Daudi
Public Relations Officer Mangochi Police Station
Cell: 0999 706 525
Email: amina.tepani@police.gov.mw
Website: www.police.gov.mw