Lions, hyenas wreak havoc

Victoria Falls Reporter
October 6, 2010



VILLAGERS in Hwange West have lost more than 60 cattle and small livestock worth thousands of dollars to marauding lions and hyenas.
The affected areas include Matetsi, Jambezi, Mvutu, Milonga and Sidinda under Chiefs Shana and Mvutu.
Some of the farmers said as a result of the attacks on their livestock, they no longer have draught power.
Chief Mvutu said he personally lost four cattle to lions, adding that villagers were now living in constant fear.
“During harvest time, it is the elephants that cause havoc and now, stray lions are eating our livestock,” he said.
“We have reported the matter to the Hwange Rural District Council and to the Parks and Wildlife Management Authority for them to take action but they have done nothing. As villagers we feel we are being let down by a system that should be helping us.”
Other villagers and councillors said walking in their areas was now dangerous considering the presence of the lions and hyenas.
“We are very much aware of the presence of these animals in our district. Transport is a problem and we are forced to walk and how is that possible when the lions are out there?” asked another villager at Sacred Heart Mission.