Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya
Beitbridge Bureau
The Beitbridge community is breathing a sigh of relief after receiving news that the lioness which had been giving them sleepless nights for almost two weeks has retraced its tracks back to South Africa.
Danger had been stalking the district, with reports that the collared lioness was roaming in villages adjacent to the Limpopo River and a few kilometres outside Beitbridge town.
The predator is one of two lions that strayed into Zimbabwe through the Gonarezhou area, part of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area (GLTFCA), which encompasses national parks and communal lands in Mozambique, South Africa and Zimbabwe.
The second lion is reported to still be wandering in Chiredzi district after failing to cross the flooded Bubi River.
Lions pose threats to livestock and humans, primarily through direct predation and the transmission of diseases, fuelling human–wildlife conflict.
As habitats shrink, lions frequently prey on livestock, causing economic losses for farmers, while also attacking humans. In addition, they carry numerous pathogens, including viruses and parasites, which can be transmitted to humans and domestic animals.
For two weeks, most farmers could not herd their livestock, children were fearful of going to school, and residents in town dreaded moving around at night.
In a public notice yesterday, the Zimbabwe National Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (Zimparks) Beitbridge office confirmed the latest development.
“The lioness which has been moving around and causing a lot of fear to Beitbridge communities has crossed back to RSA and is now moving towards Musina. It moved 24 kilometres east and safely crossed the Limpopo River back to South Africa around 1900 hours on Monday,” said Zimparks.
“This is very good news to both the Beitbridge District community, Zimparks and all stakeholders. We would also like to take this opportunity to thank the Zimbabwe Republic Police, the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (drones crew), Beitbridge Rural District Council (BBRDC) through its CAMPFIRE team and all stakeholders who were directly or indirectly involved in the hunt and monitoring of this lioness.”
Beitbridge mayor, Councillor Peter Pirato Mafuta, said the stray lions had brought a lot of anxiety and fear to residents over the past two weeks.
“We are happy to note that the lioness that has brought anxiety to residents in our town has been tracked and located in South Africa. Our community members are now safe and this is a huge relief. I also want to commend the team that has been tracking the lion since day one for great coordination and keeping stakeholders informed all the time,” said the mayor.
Beitbridge RDC chairperson, Councillor Oscar Chiromo, said the latest development had calmed fears among many community members in Beitbridge East, some of whom frequent grazing lands near the Limpopo River.
He commended the tracking team for its teamwork and coordination.
Cllr Chiromo also raised concern over the misuse of Artificial Intelligence by some community members, which had fuelled anxiety through misinformation about the lions’ location.
“We would have loved to capture the lioness. Although it has moved to our neighbouring country, our communal farmers who frequent grazing areas near the Limpopo River banks should always remain vigilant,” he said.
“We thank the Almighty Lord that so far we have not received reports of livestock or people being attacked by the predator. I also want to thank the Beitbridge community for remaining vigilant and patient while professionals were busy with the hunt. At the same time, we take note that information is power and should be used wisely. We are in the sphere of Artificial Intelligence (AI), but let’s not misuse it. I also commend the team from BBRDC for coordinating the hunt and all stakeholders — Zimparks, Bubi Conservancy, ZRP, ZIMRA and Three Ways Safaris.”
A livestock farmer from Gandakasame in Beitbridge East, Mr Eric Mawelewele, said the presence of stray lions had disrupted dipping schedules and prevented farmers from visiting their plots.
“We appreciate this update from Zimparks and BBRDC. We can now herd our cattle and honour veterinary dipping schedules. The burden of escorting children to and from school has also been lessened for most parents,” he said.
Mr Beji Muleya from Ha Goda welcomed the news but cautioned that some villagers would remain restless until the lions were captured.
“This is good news; we have all been waiting for it. It’s a relief to us as residents, as now we can freely move around without fear of being attacked by a vicious animal,” said Mr Boyd Maphosa of Dulivhadzimu suburb.
“Hopefully they will manage to recapture it and put it back where it belongs, far away from the community, to minimise cases of human–wildlife conflict.”
Miss Roita Mbedzi of Tshaswingo (Beitbridge East) said it was important for people to remain vigilant and watchful for wild animals, especially those living near the Limpopo River and safari areas.
