Crops destroyed, lives at risk as wild animals invade villages

Chalinze. Residents of Kiwangwa and Mkange wards in Chalinze District are fearing for their lives following an invasion of wild animal including herds of elephants, hippos and hyaenas into residential areas. Besides feeding on farmers’ crops on over 100 acres, reports have it that some villagers have been injured and two killed by the animals. The Kiwangwa Councillor, Mr Malota Kwaga said on Wednesday that the animals came from the Saadani National Park and that they have been wreaking havoc for the past three weeks. The head of the department of land and natural resources in Chalinze District Council, Ms Zaina Kijazi said they were aware of the invasion, adding that so far about 100 acres of various crops have been destroyed.