Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya, [email protected]
COMMUNITIES living within the precincts of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area (GLTFCA) in Beitbridge District have breathed a collective sigh of relief after confirmation that one of the two stray lions from South Africa’s Kruger National Park has crossed back into the neighbouring country.
Villagers in areas such as Tshikwalakwala, Tshitulipasi and Dite along the Limpopo River had endured nearly two weeks of fear and sleepless nights following reports that a collared lioness was roaming close to homesteads and a few kilometres outside Beitbridge town.
The predator is one of two lions that strayed into Zimbabwe through the Gonarezhou area, which forms part of the tri-national GLTFCA shared by Zimbabwe, Mozambique and South Africa. The second lion is reportedly still roaming parts of Chiredzi District after failing to cross the flooded Bubi River.
For days, normal life in Beitbridge East was severely disrupted as residents avoided grazing lands, livestock herding and even routine movements, while some children stopped attending school due to fear of possible attacks.
In a public notice issued yesterday, the Zimbabwe National Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (Zimparks) confirmed that the lioness had safely crossed back into South Africa.
“The lioness, which has been moving around and causing a lot of fear to Beitbridge communities has crossed back to South Africa and is now moving towards Musina. It moved 24 kilometres eastwards and safely crossed the Limpopo River around 7PM on Monday,” read the statement.
“This is very good news to the Beitbridge District community, Zimparks and all stakeholders. We would like to thank the Zimbabwe Republic Police, the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (drone crew), Beitbridge Rural District Council through its Campfire team and all stakeholders involved in the monitoring of the lioness.”
Beitbridge mayor Councillor Peter Pirato Mafuta said the development had brought relief to residents.
“We are happy that the lioness, which caused anxiety for the past few weeks, has been tracked and located in South Africa. Our community members can now feel safe again,” he said.
Beitbridge Rural District Council chairperson Councillor Oscar Chiromo said fears had eased, particularly among communal farmers, who frequently graze livestock near the Limpopo River.
However, he warned residents to remain vigilant, noting that misinformation circulating on social media had worsened panic.
“We also take note with concern the abuse of Artificial Intelligence by some community members, which fuelled fear through false reports on the location of the lions. Information is power and must be used responsibly,” said Clr Chiromo.
He commended the co-ordination efforts by Beitbridge RDC, Zimparks, Bubi Conservancy, police, Zimra and Three Ways Safaris.
Local livestock farmers said the presence of the lions had disrupted livelihoods. Mr Eric Mawelewele from Gandakasame area said farmers had failed to adhere to dipping schedules and feared visiting their fields.
“With this update, we can now herd our cattle and escort children to school without constant fear,” he said.
Another resident, Mr Beji Muleya from Ha Goda area, welcomed the news, describing it as “a huge relief” for the entire community.
Mr Boyd Maphosa of Dulivhadzimu suburb said authorities should continue monitoring wildlife movements to minimise human-wildlife conflict.
“Hopefully, the remaining lion will also be managed and relocated far from communities,” he said.
