Online Reporter
Tongai Mashonga [email protected]
RESIDENTS of Muwandi area, about 15 kilometers from Kwekwe city centre were thrown into panic on Monday after reports that eight lions were roaming freely in the community.
Kwekwe District Civil Protection Unit (CPU) chairperson, Fortune Mupungu, confirmed the development, saying a multi-agency team had been deployed to track and relocate the predators.
“We received a report that eight vicious lions are on the loose in Muwandi area. We sent our team comprising the police, army, Zimparks and ZRDC. The team is on the ground to try and relocate the lions to their respective place,” Mupungu said.
The Kwekwe District Development coordinator (DDC) said they have activated the District Civil Protection Unit (CPU) to ensure protection of human life.
“My office is now the command centre as we try to return the animals to the park,” he said.
The CPU chairperson said the joint team was working to ensure public safety while safely guiding the pride back to its habitat.
Residents have been urged to remain indoors, and to immediately report any lion sightings to authorities.
Muwandi falls under the Zibagwe Rural District Council in Kwekwe District.
The rapid urban expansion into wildlife corridors has increased the risk of human-animal conflict.
No injuries or livestock losses have been reported by the time of going to press.
Meanwhile, authorities are appealing to members of the public not to approach or attempt to chase the lions, but to alert the nearest police station or Zimparks office instead.
