Villagers suffer losses as lions kill livestock in...

Villagers suffer losses as lions kill livestock in Hurungwe

Zim Now Writer

Lions are wreaking havoc in the Nyamakate area of Hurungwe District, killing livestock that includes cattle, goats, and donkeys.

The area lies approximately 60 kilometres north of Karoi under Hurungwe North Constituency in Mashonaland West Province.

A pride of lions, according to villagers, attacked the livestock at various places during the night.

“Lions are attacking and killing cattle in villages like Cecilia Juliet, Fox and Lima, among others. Some have lost goats and donkeys,’’ said Robson Mudaka from Lima village.

Ernest Muranda of Hotel Village also said human-wildlife conflict is rife in Nyamakate area within ward 7 under Chief Chundu.

‘‘The ongoing human and wildlife conflict is now an issue of concern among villagers here. We are appealing to the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority to act against problem animals so that villagers can live in harmony with nature,’’ he added.

ZimParks spokesperson Tinashe Farawo said he was yet to get official communication from the Marongora office that manages the area in question.

‘‘I am still yet to get official communication on the matters, but our mandate is geared towards living in harmony with nature where we strive to make it well balanced. Communities must understand it better so that our nature is preserved,’’ Farawo said.