By Promise Dube
The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) has cautioned locals in Filabusi to keep calm following the sighting of a stray lion in the area.
The lion has reportedly killed a lion and a donkey, with communities around Pangani Vocational Training Centre, Zhulube, Gangabezi, Msithi, and Mahole warned to avoid movement at night.
In an interview with CITE, ZimParks spokesperson, Tinashe Farawo, confirmed the authority had dispatched its rangers to track the lion.
“Our officers are on the ground tracking the problematic animal. We encourage communities to remain calm and not to drive their cattle away from protected areas,” he said.
Local farmers were asked to observe safety protocols and if their livestock were killed they are not to retrieve the carcasses without notifying authorities.
“Do not retrieve the killed animal without communicating with the authorities. Avoid loitering of livestock. No night movement. We suspect the lion has cubs,” read a notice which was circulated to the affected communities.
“We suspect the following communities are in danger Pangani Vocational Training Centre, Zhulube, Gangabezi, Msithi and Mahole. May everyone be vigilant and exercise extra care and report any sight of it to traditional leaders, Council or National Parks officers,” read the statement.
“Report to the following numbers: 0783868325, 0775191599, 0712935534.”
