NEW: Lions wreak havoc in Hwange

Richard Muponde

VILLAGERS in Jambezi area in Hwange are living in constant fear for their lives following an invasion of the area by lions that are preying on livestock.

At the same time elephants and buffaloes are also threatening the Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme in the fields.

According to reports from Jambezi, villagers have lost a number of cattle, goats and donkeys to marauding lions and hyenas.

Chief Mvutu from Hwange confirmed that villagers are losing livestock to lions and other predators.

“It’s true, lions are marauding in this place. Pride after pride invade the villages, preying on goats, cattle and donkeys.

“Lions don’t give us a break, they constantly strike. We have since lost count of the animals we have lost here,” Chief Mvutu said.

“However on the fields, we are still safe as elephants go straight to Zambezi River. They come here late but in Jambezi I hear reports of that happening and they have always faced problems with elephants and buffaloes in their villages.”

Contacted for comment Parks and Wildlife Management of Zimbabwe (ZimParks) spokesperson, Mr Tinashe Farawo, said he has not received the latest report, but confirmed that cases of human-wildlife conflict across the country.

“That problem of human-wildlife conflict is rampant. However, I have not received the latest report but our officers are always on the ground to attend to distress calls,” Mr Farawo said.

Villagers in the Hwange area have constantly faced problems with wild animals as they are surrounded by three national parks namely: Hwange National Park, Victoria Falls National Park and Chamabondo Park.