Southern Province Commanding Officer Moono Namalongo has confirmed that a man was killed by an elephant near Kaingu Safari Lodge in Chief Kaingu’s area of Itezhi-Tezhi District on June 6, 2026.
Mr Namalongo said workers at the safari lodge heard unusual noises from a herd of elephants about 30 metres from the lodge around midday, suggesting that the animals had become agitated.
He explained that lodge management immediately accounted for all members of staff and confirmed that they were safe.
“However, at around 17:50 hours, the body of an unknown male person was discovered lying in nearby thickets and the matter was subsequently reported to police,” Mr Namalongo said.
Mr Namalongo stated that police officers who visited the scene confirmed the incident and found the deceased with multiple injuries consistent with an elephant attack.
He added that torn clothing believed to belong to the victim was also recovered near the scene.
He further revealed that the deceased was later identified as Christopher Munsanje by Moomba Village Headman Ramsey Moomba.
According to Mr Namalongo, the victim was known to have a history of mental illness and was believed to have originated from Chikanta Chiefdom in Kalomo District.
“The deceased had reportedly been seen roaming within the area during the month of May before the unfortunate incident occurred,” Mr Namalongo said.
Mr Namalongo said the body was retrieved from the scene and deposited into the Itezhi-Tezhi District Hospital Mortuary awaiting burial adding that an inquiry file has since been opened to establish the full circumstances surrounding the fatal elephant attack.
He has since urged members of the public living in or visiting wildlife areas to exercise caution and report any dangerous animal movements to relevant authorities.
