Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) is mourning the tragic loss of Constable Prince Dambe, a 24-year-old officer who was trampled to death by a herd of elephants during a routine patrol assignment near the Forbes Border Post in Mutare. The heartbreaking incident occurred on Wednesday night at Cecil Kopje Game Park, shocking both his colleagues and the wider police force.
Constable Dambe, who was attached to the ZRP Support Unit, had recently celebrated his marriage. His untimely death has sent waves of grief through the police community, made even more devastating by the brutal and sudden nature of the attack.
According to police sources, Constable Dambe and his fellow officers were resting at their tented base inside Cecil Kopje Game Park after completing their daily patrol. At around 10PM, a herd of elephants strayed into their camp, setting off a chain of terrifying events.
“They heard strange noises and quickly realized a herd of elephants was advancing toward their tent,” said a police insider. “They tried to wake Constable Dambe, but he was in a deep sleep.”
As the animals drew nearer, Dambe’s colleagues had no choice but to flee the area in panic, hoping their shouts would rouse him. Unfortunately, by the time Dambe awoke, the elephants were already too close.
Tragedy Strikes as Young Police Officer Trampled to Death by Elephants in Mutare
Wearing only jogger shorts, Constable Dambe attempted to flee the camp and climb a nearby rocky slope. Tragically, he was overtaken by the stampeding elephants, which trampled him before dragging his body across the rugged terrain. His clothing was torn off during the ordeal, and he was found later in his underwear, having died on the spot from the injuries sustained.
The brutal nature of the attack has deeply shaken the police force and renewed concerns about the dangers officers face during patrols, particularly in areas near wildlife reserves.
National police spokesperson Senior Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba confirmed the incident and expressed the ZRP’s sorrow over the young officer’s death.
“I can confirm that we received a report of a 24-year-old police officer who was trampled to death by elephants. His colleagues tried to alert him, but he was too deep in sleep. By the time he woke up, it was too late. He died instantly,” she said.
Charamba added that Dambe’s recent marriage made the tragedy all the more painful, underscoring the personal loss to his family and the nation.
In a separate but equally tragic event, another young officer, Constable Joseph Kamba, also lost his life last week. Cst Kamba was hit by a speeding commuter omnibus in Chinhoyi along Robson Manyika Drive while trying to stop the vehicle. He died shortly after the accident.
“These incidents serve as a stark reminder of the hazards faced by our officers daily in the line of duty,” said Senior Assistant Commissioner Charamba. “From wildlife threats to reckless drivers, our officers often operate under dangerous conditions.”
Police Commissioner-General Augustine Chihuri has since extended his deepest condolences to both the Dambe and Kamba families, commending the officers for their dedication and commitment to service. In his statement, he emphasized the courage it takes to serve in law enforcement, particularly in volatile environments.
“The deaths of these young officers are a heartbreaking loss to the police force and to the nation. We stand in solidarity with their families and will honour their service,” Chihuri said.
The incident has also reignited public debate about the growing risk of human-wildlife conflict in Zimbabwe’s border regions. Areas like Cecil Kopje, which lie near protected parks and migration corridors, are known hotspots for wildlife activity, particularly during dry months when animals move in search of food and water.
Environmental experts have urged for better coordination between law enforcement and wildlife authorities, suggesting that security patrol bases be relocated away from high-risk zones, and that officers receive additional training in wildlife encounter protocols.
Constable Prince Dambe is remembered as a dedicated and humble young officer, with a bright future ahead of him. He had only recently begun building a life with his new wife and was deeply committed to his role in serving and protecting the community.
His tragic death serves as a sobering reminder of the unseen dangers faced by police officers, and the ultimate sacrifices many make in the line of duty. As the nation mourns, calls are growing for enhanced safety measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Source- Bulawayo24
