Bulawayo Dismisses Social Media Claims of Bedbug Outbreak in Nkulumane

09 May 2025

By Charity Chikara

The City of Bulawayo has dismissed as false and malicious the social media reports alleging a bedbug infestation in Nkulumane and surrounding suburbs, including Sokusile, Emganwini, and Nketa.

In a statement issued this week, the local authority said it has not received any official reports of bedbugs in the city.

“The message currently making rounds on social media claiming that there is a bedbug infestation in the ‘Nkulumane Suburb’ is false and malicious,” read the statement. “The City of Bulawayo has not received any reports of bedbugs.”

The council urged residents to remain vigilant and outlined steps on how to detect and prevent bedbug infestations. It explained that bedbugs typically spread through human activity and thrive in places where people gather, such as homes, hotels, schools, and public transport.

“Bedbugs crawl rather than fly or jump, and they crawl rapidly. Their small size and hiding ability allows them to spread to new locations,” the City said.

Residents were advised to look out for signs such as itchy red bites, black spots on bedding, bedbug shells, and a musty odour, which may indicate an infestation.

To prevent bedbugs, the City recommended regular cleaning, checking used furniture, sealing crevices in walls, and heat-treating clothes after travel. “Vigilance is important in guarding against bedbugs,” the statement said.

In light of the panic caused by the false messages, the City of Bulawayo also cautioned the public against relying on unofficial sources.

“To avoid unnecessary confusion and panic, residents are further advised to ignore any circulation on the City that does not bear and carry the City of Bulawayo logo and insignia,” it said.

Residents seeking accurate information were encouraged to follow updates from the City’s official website and social media platforms.