A TSHOLOTSHO villager, Lot Zondo, who was allegedly severely tortured by Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Authority (Zimparks) rangers in October last year, is reportedly battling for his life rural home from an ailment believed to be related to the incident. RICHARD MUPONDE
Zondo (52) was allegedly tortured by the rangers in a bid to extract information on the source of the cyanide used to poison over 100 elephants at the Hwange National Park in 2013.
Zondo’s wife, Sithokozile, yesterday told our sister paper Southern Eye that her husband was unwell at his rural home, Phelandaba, in Tsholotsho.
“He is not feeling well. He went to hospital for treatment and was supposed to come here [Bulawayo] on Monday, but could not as he is seriously ill,” Sithozile said.
“He has never been well since his torture last year and I can’t rule out that his current illness is related to the injuries he suffered during that torture because he has been on and off since then.”
Environment , Water and Climate minister Saviour Kasukuwere and Zimparks have remained mum on the issue despite promises they made last year to investigate the alleged torture.
Zimparks spokesperson Caroline Washaya-Moyo could not be reached for comment on her mobile phone yesterday.
Zondo’s torture, which was first reported by Southern Eye in October 2013, drew widespread condemnation from human rights groups.
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He narrated his five-day ordeal at the hands of Zimparks rangers saying his genitals were “roasted” after he and others were forced to squat over braziers.
