Stray lions driven back into park

HWANGE residents have heaved a sigh of relief after two stray lions which roamed the town for two days were finally driven back into the Hwange National Park.

Two adult lions were spotted in town last Wednesday, sending residents into panic.

The lions were reportedly spotted at Number 1 and 3 Prospect View suburb, popularly known as Mayard, prompting the dispatch of a team to drive them away.

Reports from the coal mining town were that the team of National Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (Zimparks), police and Hwange Rural District Council managed to drive the cats out of the town on Friday.

Hwange deputy chairperson, Matthew Muleya, yesterday confirmed that the lions were driven back into the national park.

"It's true they were driven off to the national park after spending about two days roaming the town," he said.

"Teams from Zimparks and ZRP have since gone back to their stations."

Muleya, however, said council rangers and Campfire (Communal Areas Management Programme for Indigenous Resources) officials were still on the ground on the lookout of any problem animals, as it was the prerogative of the RDC to control the wildlife.

"If we need any further help from the Zimparks rangers we will call them," he said.

"At the moment our officers are taking care of the situation and will advise us if there is any need of help."

Zimparks had issued a warning to Hwange residents to desist from walking during the night or in secluded bushy areas.

The authority also dispatched a team of six rangers led by a professional hunter working together with members of the Police Support Unit and council officers.

The sighting of the lions came barely a few days after Hwange chiefs complained about lions and other wild animals that are wreaking havoc in the district.