A 74-year-old man from Marondera, Zimbabwe, died on Saturday, June 21, 2025, after being viciously attacked by a swarm of bees in the town’s central business district.
The incident occurred near a streetlight pole opposite the Marondera Government Complex, where a beehive had reportedly been left undisturbed. Eyewitnesses said the bees had been aggressive throughout the morning, stinging anyone who came too close.
As the elderly man passed by, the swarm descended on him. Despite his efforts to fight them off and calls for help, the bees overwhelmed him. Bystanders who tried to assist were also stung and forced to flee for safety.
Emergency services were called, and police officers alongside Marondera Municipality officials rushed the man to Marondera Hospital. He was pronounced dead on arrival, having lost consciousness at the scene.
One witness, Chikwerengwe Mavishu, who was also stung during the chaos, said the man was in visible distress and shouted for help. “I was close when I saw him being attacked. When I tried to assist, I was also attacked and had to call the police. When they arrived, it was too late,” he said.
As the area was being cleared, a ZBC News crew reported seeing another person attacked by the same swarm while trying to escape. Authorities have since begun efforts to safely remove the beehive to prevent further incidents.
