The government has disclosed that three people were injured following a stampede over an elephant carcass on Thursday in Livingstone District, Southern Province, Zambia.
Ministry of Tourism Principal Public Relations Officer Nelly Banda says the Department of National Parks and Wildlife received a report from a community member about a dead elephant in a residential area.
Ms. Banda says officers found a large crowd surrounding the carcass, with some people already cutting and collecting meat. The situation escalated as parts of the crowd became hostile, posing a risk to officers and the public, and hindering efforts to secure the scene and begin investigations.
Police were called for support, and after failed attempts to disperse the crowd, tear gas was used.
She adds that during the operation, three individuals were injured by rubber bullets but received medical attention.
Despite the unrest, officers secured the area and retrieved the elephant’s ivory. The cause of the animal’s death remains unknown, and investigations are ongoing.
Meanwhile, the victims’ families say they are taking legal action against the government over the injuries.
By Gabriel Josias Muuba
