KATIMA MULILO—Of the 117 buffalos that perished in a stampede at Kabulabula, 66 were allocated to the conservancy, and the remaining were slaughtered and distributed to the local community. According to Morgan Saisai, Environment, Forestry and Tourism Control Warden in the Zambezi Region, who spoke to Nampa over the weekend, residents from distant villages should observe local boundaries concerning resource distribution.

Saisai observed that numerous people from distant areas rushed to Kabulabula, located 90 kilometers from Katima Mulilo, and began claiming buffalos for themselves. This behavior, he said, undermines the priority given to local residents when it comes to sharing resources.

Saisai added that in future instances, individuals should abstain from driving to another’s conservancy and instead wait to be considered once local conservancy members have received their share.

Justin Mulenamaswe, the chairperson of the Kabulabula conservancy, concurred with Saisai’s sentiments. He stated that, besides the registered members of the conservancy and village residents, government institutions within his jurisdiction would also benefit from the buffalos. These institutions include two schools and a clinic.

The buffalos died after drowning in a stampede, which occurred after they were chased by a pride of lions in the early hours of Friday.