Stray lion roams free near Bulawayo

COMMUNITIES neighbouring Chipangali Wildlife Orphanage on the outskirts of Bulawayo are living in fear following reports of a lion on the loose in the area.

So far there have been no reports of an attack on people or livestock but terrified locals are now moving in groups mostly during the day for fear of attacks by the lion.

Late yesterday, it was not immediately clear where the lion came from.

An official from Chipangali Wildlife orphanage, Zoe Lapthorn, confirmed to Chronicle that there was a lion on the loose in the area.

She was, however, quick to dismiss suspicions that the lion could have escaped from the orphanage.

"We received a report of the location of a lion spoor. We positively identified it and made a report to the police and National Parks and Wildlife.

"We are 100 percent sure that it's not one of our lions as we immediately did a census and confirmed that all our lions are here," said Lapthorn.

She said the orphanage was willing to assist in all possible ways to capture the lion and move it to a safe place where it would not pose a danger to the community.

"We are worried like the rest of the community and we are available to help in all possible ways," said Lapthorn.

Lester Sibanda of Jadaf farm said the lion passed through the property on Thursday night.

"On Thursday night there was noise from the kraal as cattle bellowed as if disturbed. When we checked in the morning we were surprised to see the spoor of a lion," said Sibanda.

Tinashe Nyararai, another local resident, said the spoor was heading towards Chipangali.

"It's either the lion escaped from Chipangali and was going back or it heard the roar of other lions at Chipangali and wanted to join them," he said.

"We no longer carry out our daily routines as we now live in fear and no longer move alone".

Bulawayo acting police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Abedinico Ncube said they had not received a report of a lion on the loose.

"Our nearest police camp, Hillside Police Station, has not received the report," he said.

National Parks and Wildlife spokesperson Caroline Washaya-Moyo was not immediately available for comment.

Last month, four lions escaped from Harare's Lion and Cheetah Park.

Three were immediately captured and caged but the fourth one was trapped and killed after being on the loose for days.