Tinotenda Hove – The Kariba community is mourning the tragic loss of Gloria Konde, a Kariba District Hospital employee who was trampled to death by an elephant early Sunday morning in the Heights suburb. Konde was walking to church with her three children when the incident occurred, leaving residents shocked and heartbroken.

Mashonaland West legislator for the Women’s Quota, Honourable Mutsa Murombedzi, described the tragedy as devastating and said human-wildlife conflict in the resort town has reached critical levels.

Murombedzi said: “Sad day for Kariba. We woke up to heartbreaking news. Human-Wildlife conflict has claimed a dedicated worker at Kariba District Hospital. Gloria Konde was trampled to death by an elephant this morning in Heights suburb. She was walking to church with her three children.

“She was dragged, trampled & killed in plain sight of her children. Human Wildlife Conflict in Kariba has escalated into a deadly crisis. Our thoughts go to her family during this very difficult time.”