Villagers surrounding Thuma Forest Reserve in Dedza are living in fear as hungry elephants are invading villages, attacking people and destroying crops.
Group Village Head men, M’gawi and Mbuziyadula has confirmed the development.
Mbuziyadula said that four people have since been killed while four others have sustained injuries after such attacks.
The traditional leaders now want an electrified fence around the forest reserve, provide food assistance to the affected villagers and compensate those attacked by the animals.
Senior Chief Tambala and parliamentarian for Dedza North Constituency, Savel Kafwafwa, estimate that the elephants have damaged crops for over 200 villagers.
Thuma forest reserve is 550 square kilometers, has 45 guards and close to 100 elephants.
