Boy (7) eaten by lion

A seven-year-old Dete boy was yesterday morning reportedly killed and eaten by a stray lion on his way to his neighbours' homestead three kilometres from Hwange National Park.

Elton Silundu was walking towards local shops in Magoli Area under Chief Nekatemba when the male lion pounced on him and ate part of his head.

It is believed the lion had strayed from the national park and had moved towards homesteads in search of food.

Steven Ndiweni, a ranger in the area said members of the Parks and Wildlife managed to shoot and kill the lion afterwards.

"The boy, whose father is an employee at Hwange Colliery, was sent to a neighbouring village to buy a box of matches when a lion pounced on him from nowhere. The lion killed him and ate part of his head.

"Rangers however later managed to kill the lion. Villagers this side are now living in fear because stray lions have been spotted in the area. Some villagers have lost a number of goats to the lions and even elephants are destroying our fields," said Ndiweni.

Police could not be reached for comment. Another villager identified as Sibanda said.

"The whole village is in shock as we speak and we no longer feel safe after this incident.

"The boy walked a few kilometres to the shops and met the lion on a bushy pathway near his home. We hope something will be done to ensure our security.

Officials from the Parks and Wildlife or police could not be reached for comment by time of going to Press.