Redcliff Residents Cornered by Baboons — Nine Killed in First Wave of Crackdown

KWEKWE – Nine baboons have been shot dead in Redcliff as authorities launched a joint crackdown to contain a growing crisis that has left residents cornered, frightened, and demanding action.

The operation, led by the Municipality of Redcliff in collaboration with the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks), follows weeks of escalating raids on homes, food stores, and public spaces by increasingly aggressive baboon troops.

The culling began last week after urgent consultations with the community, during which officials warned that the primate population had reached dangerous levels.

Environmental Health Technician Ngoni Penzura confirmed the development during a media briefing held after a full council meeting.

“Currently we have already done the community engagement, so our community now knows that we are killing the baboons.

“So far we have managed to kill about nine as of last week,” Penzura said.

ZimParks teams are expected to return next Wednesday and Thursday to continue the operation.

Residents have been urged to report sightings of baboon groups to help authorities respond swiftly.

“The numbers are very high as of now, but we will try by all means to reduce them. We are encouraging our community to have patience with us in terms of the baboons.

“Please, when the parks come, inform us where the baboons are so that we can control them,” he added.

According to The Public Eye, the baboons have become more than a nuisance — they have turned into a menace.

Locals describe scenes of chaos: overturned bins, torn grocery bags, and shattered windows.

Some residents say they have been chased or cornered by the animals, which are growing bolder in their search for food.

Municipal officials say the crackdown will continue until the baboon population is brought under control.

Authorities insist the operation is being carried out with transparency and public safety as the top priority.

Further updates will be provided as the situation unfolds.