In the community

Mabale villagers lose livestock to marauding lions

Published

3 years ago

January 10, 2023

VicFallsLive

BY LWANDLE MTHUNZI

A pride of lions reportedly attacked and killed two cows near Chief Dingane’s homestead in Mabale on Sunday.

More than two dozen cattle have been killed in the area in recent weeks according to villagers, as cases of human-wildlife conflict continue on the increase in communities that are bordering the national parks such as Hwange Districts.

On Sunday, Chief Dingane said, his community woke up to another goring sight of two carcasses of cows killed by the marauding big cats.

“The cows belonged to my neighbour and they are usually herded together with my herd,” the Chief told VicFallsLive.

“They were in the bush when news filtered that there was a pride nearby and so the boys rounded up the cattle.

“Ours came home and my neighbour’s went home as well. Later on we heard that his two cows had been killed,” said Chief Dingane.

Villagers immediately informed Hwange Rural District Council Campfire and officers attended the scene.

The Chief said he also lost four cattle recently.

“I lost four that were eaten in the bush recently and there are other villagers as well whose cows have been killed.

“I think about 30 cattle have been killed in the least week by lions which is a cause for concern.” he said.

There are two prides of lions, including cubs, which are reportedly literally camped in Mabale and have been terrorizing villagers.

Some of them are collared, according to villagers.

“We have told HRDC to contact those who collared the lions to come and drive them away.

“They should surely be monitoring them and seeing that they are causing havoc here. ” he said.

Government recently said victims of human-wildlife conflict will be compensated.

Villagers in Hwange and Binga mostly, have complained about losing livestock, crops and in some instances lives of their loved ones due
to conflict with wild animals.

Zimparks has in the past been under fire for saying people should not go or drive their livestock into protected areas.

In Victoria Falls, residents have proposed the need for a perimeter fence between human settlements and game parks.

In the community

Hwange duo sentenced to 26 months for wildlife crimes

Published

21 hours ago

August 27, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY WANDILE TSHUMA

Two Hwange men have been sentenced to 26 months imprisonment for setting 49 wire snares, including 48 class one snares, in Sinamatela Game Park, resulting in the killing of one impala and two female kudus, with a total value of US$6 000 worth of dried game meat.

Lungisani Moyo (38) and Joel Nyathi (27), both from Madumabisa Village, were convicted of contravening the Trapping of Animal Control Act.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority, the state presented a case that the two unlawfully set the snares this month, resulting in the illegal killing of one impala and two female kudus.

The matter came to light after a joint patrol by police and Zim-Parks officers intercepted a man in the Lwendulu area carrying a suspicious black bag. Upon searching him, authorities recovered 12 bundles of dried game meat.

Upon probe, the man led officers to Moyo’s residence, where further illegal game products were discovered.

Subsequent searches at both Moyo and Nyathi’s homes yielded a total of 22 bundles of dried game meat, kudu hooves, intestines, and other animal parts.

Police investigations confirmed the use of wire snares to hunt the animals within protected parkland.

The total value of the poached wildlife is US$6 000.

Of the 26-month sentence, 10 months were suspended for five years, leaving the two to serve an effective 16 months imprisonment.

In the community

Hwange man fined US$1 100 for illegal kudu meat sales

Published

2 days ago

August 26, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY STAFF REPORTER

A 62-year-old man from Hwange has been fined to pay US$1 100 for selling dried kudu meat without a permit.

This was heard at the Hwange Regional Court when Samson Ncube appeared before a magistrate for selling meat without a license.

The state alleges that Ncube was found with 12kg of dried kudu meat valued at US$480, which he was selling without a permit.

He was arrested by CID Minerals Flora and Fauna and ZimParks during patrols in Lwendulu Village.

The magistrate sentenced Ncube to pay a fine of US$1 100 by September 19, next month, or face 3 months in jail.

The recovered meat was forfeited.

In the community

Goat thief caught red-handed in Tsholotsho

Published

2 days ago

August 26, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY STAFF REPORTER

A 30-year-old man from Tsholotsho, has been convicted of stock theft after killing a goat he stole at a farm.

Praymore Sibanda was busted after police recovered the stolen goats carcass at his residence.

Sibanda’s downfall came when he appeared last week before the Tsholotsho Magistrates’ Court facing stock theft charges.

According to the State, on 11 August, Sibanda stole a male goat valued at ZAR 900 from Moses Ncube’s farm.

The court heard that Sibanda’s reign of theft ended when Ncube discovered the theft and reported it to the police, leading to Sibanda’s arrest after police found the goat meat and the skin at his homestead.

In a bid to teach him a lesson, the magistrate sentenced Sibanda to four months imprisonment, wholly suspended on condition that he restitutes ZAR 900 to the victim.