Kabbe councillor calls to share drowned buffalo meat with orphanages and hostels

Kabbe South constituency councillor Kamwi Sezuni says the meat of 90 buffaloes that drowned in the Zambezi region yesterday should be distributed among government hostels and orphanages as it is “too much”.

His call follows the buffaloes being found floating in the Kabulabula area of the Chobe River after running away from a pride of lions which chased them into the river.

This is the third time these animals have died in numbers in this area.

In 2018, over 400 buffaloes drowned, while over 100 buffaloes trampled each other in 2023.

Sezuni yesterday said the buffalo meat was too plentiful for just the stampede area and urged for it to be shared with government institutions.

“Hostels, orphanages, and the elderly should also benefit from the buffalo meat. Hence, I appeal that the environment ministry ensures that it happens,” he said.

Ministry of Environment and Tourism spokesperson Ndeshipanda Hamunyela yesterday said it was an unfortunate incident.

The lions chased the buffaloes towards a cliff where they fell into the river and drowned, she confirmed.

“The meat will be distributed to communities in the immediate area with the involvement of other relevant stakeholders in the region,” Hamunyela said.

The Zambezi region is known to be the home of the majority of the country’s buffalo population, which is estimated to be over 5 000.

Independent Patriots for Change member of parliament Rodrick Likando yesterday said this was the third time buffaloes drowned in the area.

“What long-term measures are you looking at to address the mass drownings in this trans-Kalahari area along the Chobe River, taking into consideration both conservancy and community interests?” he asked.

Likando further asked what the root cause is of buffaloes often drowning.

Environment minister Indileni Daniel yesterday acknowledged the incident, saying she heard about it after the Cabinet meeting.

She too wants to get to the bottom of the matter, she said.
Daniel said the ministry would look into it.

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