*Tihlo Ra Le Hlengweni News* # Tragedy at Save Valley Conservancy: *Ranger Loses Life in Rhino Attack*. *Chiredzi, Zimbabwe – June 9, 2025* – The Save Valley Conservancy is in mourning following the tragic death of Knowledge Mudzimereka, a dedicated game ranger who succumbed to injuries from a rhino attack on May 26, 2025. While on routine patrol with a colleague, Mudzimereka encountered a black rhino cow and her calf, which charged at them, inflicting life-threatening wounds to his abdomen, lung, head, shoulder, and knee. Immediately following the attack, Mudzimereka was airlifted to Harare for urgent medical care. He underwent two critical surgeries, initially showing signs of recovery, but his condition deteriorated rapidly, leading to his untimely death on June 8. Tihlo Ra Le Hlengweni News reported that the Save Valley Conservancy had previously appealed for community support to help cover his medical costs, highlighting the financial challenges faced by families of wildlife protectors. Mudzimereka's funeral is set for Wednesday, June 11, 2025. His death shines a harsh light on the inherent dangers faced by rangers in Zimbabwe's wildlife areas, raising urgent questions about their safety and the protective measures available to them. The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) reported a troubling increase in human-wildlife conflicts in the first quarter of 2025, with 18 fatalities and 32 injuries documented across the nation. Areas particularly affected include Binga, Hwange, Kariba, and Chiredzi. In response, ZimParks has ramped up efforts to translocate animals and engage local communities in awareness programs to help mitigate these risks. In addition to these challenges, the Save Valley Conservancy is dealing with a significant overpopulation of elephants. A recent aerial survey revealed that the conservancy currently hosts about 2,550 elephants, far exceeding its ecological carrying capacity of 800. To manage this situation, ZimParks has issued permits for the culling of 50 elephants, an initiative described as an “elephant management exercise.” The meat from the culled elephants will be provided to local communities, while the ivory will be retained by the state. This tragic incident not only underscores the urgent need for effective wildlife management but also raises critical concerns about the future safety of rangers in the field. As the community processes the loss of Knowledge Mudzimereka, calls for enhanced protections and better compensation for wildlife personnel are growing louder, emphasizing the vital role they play in conservation efforts. https://chat.whatsapp.com/GAu4iePOQ4x9QuJ5zBhkAk *SEND MONEY HOME WITH RHUMAMINA* - FROM SA TO CHIREDZI TOWN - SOUTH FOR ONLY 10% CONTACT B MAKONDO AT *+27763193030* *ADVERTS* *HLENGWENI CHILLAS IS OPEN IN MABOPANE.* Refresh yourself and enjoy with a tot of beer. Yes, it is taking place at Mabopane Block 1 CV 47 at Mai Nga's Tavern, which has been renamed *Hlengweni Chillas*. OPEN EVERY DAY UNTIL LATE. SAVEMORE LOGISTICS DELIVERY FROM SA TO CHIREDZI SOUTH , EVERY MONDAY TO ZIM AND EVERY THURSDAY TO SA. CONTACT MAXMAN MAKONDO AT +27717069504 CHIREDZI SOUTH TRANSPORT FOR SAND,GRAVEL, CONCRETE CONTACT Richard MADONDO ON *+27645357063* *Group Chat* https://chat.whatsapp.com/GAu4iePOQ4x9QuJ5zBhkAk *Our whatsapp Channel join here* https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaVtG1G0AgWEEWQeu32t