The ManicaPost
Luthando Mapepa Chipinge Correspondent—
PANIC has gripped Ngaone community in Chipinge West as marauding stray lions are wreaking havoc in the area. The lions are reported to have escaped from the Save Valley Conservancy.
In an interview, one of the farmers in Ngaone, Mr Joel Magweta, said they were living in fear that the wild cats would attack villagers.
Mr Magweta said cattle were being killed every day.
“We are living in fear as the lions are now attacking our cattle in broad daylight. They are even attacking them in their kraals.
“Many farmers have lost their cattle and the number could be more than what was recorded. We have contacted the Department of Parks and Wildlife Management, but nothing has been done to trap or kill the lions.
“We need them to intervene before these lions attack people,” he said.
Last week, Chipinge District Administrator, Mr William Mashava, said the lions had killed at least 10 cattle.
“Yes, I can confirm that lions have killed 10 cattle in Ngaone under Chief Mutema’s area.
“We have engaged the Department of Parks and Wildlife Management and the local authority to help the villagers. People in this area are now living in fear as the lions are reportedly killing cattle in broad daylight. We are always advising villagers to be on the lookout,” he said.
Last year, a number of cattle were killed by lions in areas such as Middle Sabi, Chibuwe, Gumira, Chisavanye and Masimbe in Chipinge South. Efforts to get a comment from the Department of Parks and Wildlife Management were fruitless at the time of going to print.
