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.