Lion kills man

The Herald, November 8, 2007


A CHIRUNDU man was last week killed and devoured by a lion while coming from Chirundu Business Centre where he had gone for shopping.

Cosmas Matara, who was 42, of Rifa Educational Centre, was on his way from the business centre at around 7pm when the lions pounced on him.

His brother Samson Guvheya, who followed him minutes later, heard some noise before he noticed the spoor of a lion and a trail of blood.

He also saw markings of shoes being dragged and followed them, at the end of which he discovered some bones, a lower left limb and blood-stained shirt.

A report was made to the police and the Parks and Wildlife Management Authority.

Mashonaland West police spokesperson Inspector Paul Nyathi said it had not been conclusively established how many lions were involved in the attack.

He warned people living in areas teeming with wild animals to desist from walking during odd hours. — HR.

Good advice.

Sounds like the lions found easy opportunities on a well traveled road. Its amazing that these people just don't seem to understand the dangers lurking about. The same with these people at the rivers when they know they are infested with crocs.

While on a recent Safari to northern Mozambique we often saw foot prints from Fishermen or travelers to a local sacred sight with Lion Spoor on top.
The area is know for allot man eating incidents.
Moving through camp at night was kept to a minimum.

I was in Chirundu and Rifa Education Camp, both at night.

At least when I was wandering around the outskirts of Chirundu at night I had a rifle.

Lots of people wandering around Chirundu in the dark after a large intake of beer.

like Woodrow, i never cease to be amazed at the locals in Africa who wander around at night in areas where dangerous animals live, as well as villagers who use the rivers for water, laundry, etc. with total disregard of the hippos, crocs, living there. i realize that in a lot of cases they don't have much choice but still common sense should dictate some basic safety precautions. i suppose common sense isn't so common in some places.

The same way you are not too fussed about getting in your car and driving down a highway that a number of people die on every year from motor vehicle accidents - these people see incidents like these as a part of life. Your family will not call you an idiot if you die on the highway - it is merely an accepted risk in your daily life. Same applies here, and i would hazard a guess that all things being equal statistically you have more chance being killed on the highway!! That said being eaten by a lion is not a nice way to pass on.What is ???