Online Reporter
Rumbidzai Mbewe Correspondent
VILLAGERS in the Gwayi area, Matabeleland North Province, are living in fear after reports that a stray lion has been attacking livestock, killing up to seven goats, heightening concerns over escalating human-wildlife conflict in the area.
Although Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife (ZimParks) Public Relations Manager Mr Luckmore Safuli could not immediately confirm the reports, residents say they wake up almost every morning to find their animals mauled, with many families suffering significant financial losses as goats — an important source of household income — continue to fall prey to the predator.
Mr Safuli told Sunday News in an interview that they have not yet received a report of such an incident, adding that it could have been reported to the rural district council.
“We have no report of that nature. This could be because a report was made to the rural district council, which is also mandated to deal with such cases in their respective areas.”
He said that in such cases, the local authority is expected to respond swiftly to prevent escalation of danger and damage within the community, but sometimes delays may be encountered due to a lack of resources.
“The way we respond to reported cases depends on where the incident occurred, but our policy is to respond as quickly as we can to prevent disaster. However, we cannot ignore the issue of resources, which may not always be available,” he said.
The Zimbabwe Christian Alliance hub in Gwayi and the Hwange area, however, called for urgent intervention by the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks), warning that the situation could worsen if the lion is not captured.
Mr Aron Magaisa of Gwayi Compound said villagers are living in constant fear as they have no means of protecting their livestock from the predator.
“Every day, we witness people losing their goats to this lion. There is nothing we can do to stop it. Only ZimParks can help us by capturing the lion,” he said.
Villagers expressed concern over the delay in capturing the lion, emphasising that many households depend on livestock for their livelihoods.
Mrs Shelter Vengesayi said goats are a vital source of income that helps families meet basic needs, including paying school fees.
“By the time they decide to respond to this crisis, most people will be left with nothing. These goats are a source of income for some of us and help us pay our children’s school fees. This crisis must be treated as a matter of urgency because we are in a serious situation,” she said.
Residents also fear that the lion could attack people.
“Our fear is that it will end up attacking humans. We are even afraid to go out at night because you might come across the lion,” said Mrs Vengesayi.
The concerns come amid increasing reports of human-wildlife conflict in parts of Matabeleland North. Community member Mr Malven Daka said the area has also experienced incidents involving elephants and baboons, which continue to threaten lives and livelihoods.
He explained that habitat encroachment and the fight for space have disrupted traditional wildlife corridors, forcing wild animals to move closer to human settlements.
“Animal corridors have been closed due to human activities. Animals are now seeking refuge in residential areas. Last month, a lion was seen in a residential area and several people have died this year after being trampled by elephants,” he said.
Mr Daka added that residents in Mpumalanga and Baobab areas are also battling aggressive baboons that raid homes and destroy crops.
“Baboons have become very aggressive. They snatch groceries from people and if you leave your windows open, you may return to find your house in chaos and your food eaten. Many people now have to guard their fields during the day to protect their crops,” he said.
The latest incidents have renewed calls for stronger measures to reduce human-wildlife conflict in communities bordering wildlife habitats.
