Beatific Gumbwanda
25 Jan 2017 – ZAKA – Following incidences of stray lions which were eventually taken care of in 2015, another pride of five lions has been reported to be roaming Zaka East, preying on domestic animals and endangering the lives of villagers.
Ward 30 councillor, Fortune Maputsa confirmed that attacks by the ferocious wild cats have been reported in his ward and other neighbouring wards where the pride has killed goats and cattle.
“I can confirm that it is true that the lions are back again. They are five in number and they recently killed three goats at Nhendo homestead in ward 32. The pride also attacked a goat in Chavani village, ward 30,” said Maputsa.
The lions are said to be sheltering in a mountain during the day and villagers are now scared of walking during the night.
National spokesperson for the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (Zimparks), Caroline Washaya-Moyo said she was not aware of the issue and urged the Zaka Rural District Council to find ways to control the pride.
She absolved her organisation of responsibility saying Zimparks has jurisdiction only over animals that are in national parks although it is common knowledge Zimparks is the custodian of all wildlife including those that escape custody.
“The Rural District Council has that responsibility to take care of the reported stray lions that are in their area as we have no jurisdiction over animals that are outside the parks,” said Washaya-Moyo.
Washaya-Moyo referred for further clarifications to the Campfire Chief Executive Officer, Charles Njonga whose cell was unreachable by the time of this publication.news
