Johnson Progress

A tragic incident occurred at Harare Gardens on Saturday when a swarm of bees attacked and killed a man identified as Liberty Sithole from Zvimba, Mashonaland West Province.

 

Sithole’s body was taken to Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals for further examination.

 

In a statement issued on Tuesday, October 21, Harare City Council confirmed the incident and extended its condolences to Sithole’s family.

 

According to the Council, the swarm of bees had temporarily settled in a tree stump within the park.

 

“The bees had settled in a tree stump within the park and, unfortunately, one person was attacked and fatally injured before the City’s emergency response team was alerted and intervened,” said the Council.

 

The City’s Environmental Health Pest Control Section successfully removed the swarm of bees on Sunday evening, October 19, 2025.

 

The Council assured the public that the affected areas have been inspected and declared safe.

 

“The City of Harare wishes to inform residents and visitors that a swarm of bees which had temporarily taken shelter in Harare Gardens was successfully removed by the Environmental Health Pest Control Section under the City Health Department on the evening of Sunday, 19 October 2025,” the statement read.

 

The Council emphasized that it does not maintain bee colonies within Harare Gardens or any of its public parks, describing the incident as an isolated occurrence involving a transient swarm seeking temporary shelter.

 

“We wish to assure the public that the bees have been safely and professionally removed, and all affected areas have been inspected and declared safe,” the Council said.

 

Harare Gardens is now open to the public, and normal activities may continue as usual.

 

The City of Harare remains committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents and will continue to monitor public spaces to prevent similar occurrences.