A CHIPINGE man was trampled to death by an elephant whilst guarding his field, recently.
The incident happened at Mahenye village under Chief Garahwa area.
Chipinge district police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Blessing Kadzuraumera, confirmed the death of Julius Sithole, 48.
On the fateful day, Sithole was guarding his field together with his son Tongai Sithole, 28, and other villagers.
Tongai was guarding from the other end while his father was patrolling on another side of the field.
Later, Tongai tried to locate his father but he could not. He alerted other villagers and a search was conducted.
Sithole’s body was later discovered with multiple injuries near a fresh elephant spoor.
Police were called in and they attended the scene.
Police said stray elephants were coming from Gonarezhou National Park to Mahenye village in Chipinge where they normally feed on crops.
Villagers said they were not receiving any assistance from the department of National Parks and Wildlife and were taking it upon themselves to protect their fields from these predators.