Online Reporter
Rutendo Nyeve
A 25-year-old man from Lubangwe area in Hwange district is recovering in Victoria Falls Hospital after being attacked by two lion cubs in a terrifying night-time encounter.
Clement Sibanda (25), who remains hospitalised, narrated his ordeal to this reporter from his hospital bed, where he is receiving medical care for severe wounds sustained to his face, back and hips.
“I was coming from the shops at Lubangwe during the night. Two lion cubs suddenly emerged from the bush and attacked me,” Sibanda recounted.
In a desperate bid to escape, he said he managed to break free and climb a tree.
However, his relief was short-lived.
“I could hear the mother also roaring nearby before the three lions came and sat near the tree until around early morning,” he said.
Sibanda remained trapped in the tree for hours, finally descending around 7 am to seek assistance.
He is currently receiving medical care at the health institution, with this reporter observing his significant injuries.
This incident is the latest in a growing wave of human-wildlife conflicts plaguing the Matabeleland region.
Recent statistics from the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) indicate that between January and November last year, wild animals killed 13 people and injured 10 others in Matabeleland North and South provinces, with Hwange and Victoria Falls identified as hotspots .
The surge in conflicts is largely attributed to rising competition for natural resources, driven by climate change and population growth, which pushes people and wildlife into dangerous proximity .
Night-time movement in wildlife-prone areas has been cited as a leading contributor to such attacks .
Efforts to mitigate the crisis are underway, including community-based monitoring programmes and partnerships with organisations like the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) to improve early warning systems and community awareness .
Colletta Dube