Fresh lion attacks in Bulilima
FRESH lion attacks on livestock have been reported in Bulilima District, Matabeleland South a few days after two that were harassing villagers were put down.
In the recent development three cattle were found dead, two wounded and four had gone missing. Ndolwane area councillor Ian Matiwaza said since the attacks began about 11 cattle belonging to villagers in his ward had been found dead while several others had gone missing within a space of one month.
“The lion attacks started about a month ago and we alerted the Bulilima Rural District Council office. Rangers were deployed and they tracked down two and they put them down but that was after eight cattle had been found dead including one that belongs to me. However, the attacks have started again and we suspect that there could be two more lions that have invaded the area. In the recent attack this week three cattle have been found dead, about four are missing and two were wounded by lions,” said Clr Matiwaza.
He said they had, reported the recent attacks to the local authority. He said the lions were attacking livestock while grazing near Mabhongwane Dam. Clr Matiwaza said some of the attacks occurred during the day while most occurred at night.
“That area where cattle are now being devoured is the only place which villagers rely on for grazing purposes. Unfortunately that is where a number of livestock are being attacked and it is difficult for people to withdraw their cattle,” he said.
Bulilima Rural District Council chairperson Mr Morgen Ndebele confirmed that two lions had been put down but said he had not been informed of the recent attacks. He said the problem of lion attacks had been experienced over the past years as villagers took their cattle to graze at Mabhongwane area which was close to a section of Hwange National Park which is in Tsholotsho.
Headman Ndolwane, whose jurisdiction covers the areas where lion attacks are being experienced said such incidents had now become a cause for concern. He said there was a need for authorities to come up with lasting solutions to the problem.
“About four wards rely on that grazing area which is now infested with lions. It is difficult for them to withdraw their cattle as they have nowhere else to send them for grazing. Something has to be done to ensure there is harmony. We have experienced lion attacks in the previous years but this time around they are severe,” he said.
Headman Ndolwane said people were now living in fear. Recently a group of teenagers that were herding cattle came across a lion that was feasting on a beast.