Professional hunters tracking down killer lions

Zimbabwe National Parks and Wildlife Management Authorities on Tuesday evening recovered parts of a human being raising fears that the lions that are terrorising Kariba residents could have killed more people in the resort town.

The discovery yesterday of a head of a male, ribs and parts of the pelvic girdle pushed the number of victims to three.

The authorities have, however, engaged professional hunters as the hunt for the lions that killed two people continues.

The Civil Protection Unit yesterday urged the hunters to expedite hunting down of the felines.

At a meeting held in Kariba yesterday, the CPU expressed concern with the delay in tracking and killing the lions.

They urged authorities to use any means possible to kill the felines, including poisoning. However, the National Parks shot down the suggestions as poisoning would kill other animals that roam freely in Kariba.

Parks spokesperson Mrs Caroline Washaya-Moyo dismissed poisoning of the animals.

"At the meeting, CPU expressed concern over delays in killing the animals that have remained elusive taking advantage of the thicket. The suggestions to poison the animals cannot be implemented because they risk killing other animals.

"We can only shoot and kill. We now have a team of trackers, professional hunters and rangers on the ground."

The hunters yesterday killed a Zebra that would be used as a bait for the felines that have evaded efforts to trap them. The lions have been cited in the Mahombekombe area where two cubs were spotted on Wednesday at around 7pm.

A man yesterday morning spotted the lions but could not determine how many they were as he ran for dear life.

A source, who is part of the hunting team, said the lions were avoiding the cages set near Mahombekombe Primary School.

Sharon Mahwere was on Tuesday killed by the lions near the school.

"A zebra has been killed to trap the lions and so far professional hunters are now part of the team with indications that they could be killed as they would be dangerous to humans.

"The lions are avoiding entering the cages where baits had been set and now it seems they will be killed," said the source. Another victim Jazel Meki Musinjeni was killed on Monday on his way to the beerhall.

A National Parks and Wildlife Authority game ranger Partson Makombe (33) of Chiwara safari camp was accidentally shot by his colleagues who were trying to kill one of the felines. Mashonaland West police spokesperson Inspector Clemence Mabgweazara confirmed the incident.

He said efforts to track the cats were still underway.

"We are on the ground urging people to go inside early to avoid encounters with the lions which have so far claimed the lives of two people and are being regularly spotted by residents in the area," he said.