Chronicle Editor
Flora Fadzai Sibanda
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ZIMPARKS spokesperson Mr Tinashe Farawo has said rangers are yet to find , a peri-urban area located just beyond Old Pumula suburb in Bulawayo, spreading panic in the area.
“We got the distress call in Bulawayo a few days back. Our reaction team managed to do an investigation and l can confirm that we have not seen any leopard traces. The only thing that the rangers have found are traces of a jackal, we think that is what everyone is talking about,” he said.
He said the team is still on the ground doing further assessments.
Villagers had earlier told the Chronicle that they were living in fear after sightings of a leopard and two cubs were reported on Monday morning.
Messages urging vigilance have been circulating on social media, with a voice note alerting villagers to stay safe and avoid bushy areas.
A Chronicle news crew visited the area and spoke to several villagers living near Robert Sinyoka Primary School, close to the bush where the leopard was reportedly sighted.
Villagers said they suspect the leopard could have originated from a nearby bush inhabited by animals like jackals and baboons.
ZimParks has warned villagers to remain vigilant and protect their livestock, as two families have already reported losses.
St Peters is a peri-urban area with extensive grazing lands and forests that stretch for kilometres into the Nyamandlovu area.
More to follow…
Online Reporter