The Sunday News
Fairness Moyana in Hwange
VILLAGERS in Sidinda ward, in Hwange District have appealed to authorities to help drive away marauding hyenas and lions that are attacking their livestock.
Farmers said they have lost up to 60 goats and 40 sheep to hyenas and lions over the past few months.
“These hyenas are giving us sleepless nights. I’m of the feeling that there is no longer any animal control since these animals are no longer hunting wild animals elsewhere but are now coming to kill our domesticated animals. We are appealing to council and safari operators in the area or parks to assist because the community is getting poorer by the day. Yes, we acknowledge that we live with animals however, these two animals have caused us headaches and we are now living in fear,” said Ms Mediatry Mudenda from Sindida Village.
Lumbora village head, Mr Douglas Sibanda said he has lost two cows and 13 goats since the pack of hyenas started causing havoc in the area.
Efforts to get a comment from ZimParks spokesperson, Mr Tinashe Farawo were fruitless. However, Sindida ward councillor who is also chairperson of Hwange Rural District Council Sinikiwe Nyathi confirmed the development, arguing that council scouts would be dispatched this week to capture the problem animals.
“As council we are aware of the problem I was just updated on this issue two days ago and we will be deploying scouts in the affected areas to capture these hyenas. However, this process is intricate since the hyenas have to be captured at night by waylaying them since they are difficult to catch during the day,” she said.
