By A Correspondent- One of the two stray hippopotami in Lushongwe Village in Gwanda district, Matabeleland South province has been killed.

The hippo was killed on Sunday night by rangers from Zimparks who have been hunting down the pair for days.

Last week, Nicholas Ndlovu (37) from Lushongwe Village died after he was attacked by a hippo around 10pm while on his way to work.

Contacted for comment, Zimparks spokesperson Mr Tinashe Farawo confirmed that one of the a stray hippopotami had been killed .

However, he said he was yet to get an update on the search for the remaining hippo.

Mr Farawo also confirmed that one of the hippopotami had killed a Gwanda man.

“As of today, I am yet to receive an update on what has transpired,” said Mr Farawo.

In a telephone interview, Gwanda Rural District Council (GRDC) Natural Resources Officer Mr Sijabuliso Masango confirmed that a stray hippo had been shot dead.

“I can confirm that one of the hippos has been killed and it was shot dead on Sunday night. The rangers are searching for the remaining hippo,” said Mr Masango.

He urged villagers from Lushongwe and neighbouring areas to avoid unnecessary movement at night.

“As we assist the relevant authorities in searching for the other stray hippo, we urge villagers to exercise extreme caution and also avoid leaving their homes at night,” said Mr Masango.