Malawi Rangers Kill Stray Elephant at Vwaza Game Reserve

By Smile Hamilton Malawi

Game rangers at Vwaza Wildlife Game Reserve shot dead an elephant that had strayed outside the reserve’s fence, raising fears it could harm nearby villagers.

Brighton Kumchedwa, Director of the Department of National Parks and Wildlife, confirmed the incident, saying: “The rangers shot the elephant after it charged at a woman while they were trying to push it back into the reserve.”

Kumchedwa added: “The elephant’s meat will be sold and the proceeds will be paid into government coffers.”

Gwamba Bota, a resident, said: “Incidents of elephants straying out of the fence are common because of their large numbers,” noting that such encounters put villagers at risk.

In mid-August this year, a man identified as Beston Mkwanda died after being crushed by an elephant that had strayed from the same reserve.

The incident underscores ongoing human–elephant conflict around Vwaza as communities and authorities seek ways to reduce risks.