adminFrom Tawanda Mangoma in Chiredzi
A pride of 12 lions is terrorising newly-resettled farmers in Chiredzi North constituency, killing cattle, goats and sheep.
Mr Joseph Changwesha of plot 204 Essenby said the lions killed three of his cows last Thursday when they got into his kraal.
Two days later, the lions killed another three cattle and some goats at Mr Dumela Chauke’s homestead.
The two farmers reported the matter to Chiredzi district administrator Mrs Clara Muzenda, who in turn advised the National Parks and Wildlife Management Authority. The Parks Authority has deployed two game rangers to hunt down the predators.
Farmers said the lions were usually in a thicket surrounding their land.
“I have lost three beasts over a night.
“We have been reporting about the presence of the lions to responsible authorities since January but up to now lions are still killing our livestock. Today we are talking of animals but tomorrow we will speak of losing a human being because these lions are deadly,” Mr Changwesha said.
Efforts to get a comment from parks spokesperson Ms Caroline Washaya-Moyo were fruitless at the time of writing.
Chiredzi DA Mrs Mzenda said: “I can confirm receiving a report about a pride of lions that has killed six cattle at Essenby plots. We have arranged with Parks officials and they were taken to the area yesterday by Chiredzi North MP Robert Mukwena”.
Online Reporter