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George Maponga Masvingo Bureau
Villagers in Tshovani communal lands in eastern Chiredzi have appealed to the Government to urgently rehabilitate the perimeter fence around Save Valley Conservancy after stray lions from the wildlife-infested conservancy have killed about 100 cattle over the past three months. There are growing fears among villagers that the marauding lions can end up killing humans.

The lions are wreaking havoc in the Chizvirizvi, Muteyo and Chisambadzi resettlement area in Tshovani where they are killing livestock daily. Chief Tshovani, Mr Hlaisi Mundau, has since appealed to Environment, Water and Climate Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri to intervene.

Said Chief Tshovani: ‘’The lions are taking advantage of the absence of a perimeter fence around Save Valley Conservancy and roaming freely in surrounding communities where they are killing livestock mainly cattle.

“Since January this year the lions have killed nearly 100 cattle, about 40 donkeys and scores of goats.

“Our fear is that besides killing cattle around which the lives of our people revolve, the lions might also target humans because sometimes they roam freely even during the day.”

Chief Tshovani said villagers in his area feared the cats might even attack and kill children on their way to or from school.

Parks and Wildlife Management Authority public relations manager Ms Caroline Washaya Moyo could not be reached for comment.

However, Chief Tshovani they have since approached operators in the Save Valley Conservancy to prioritise the rehabilitation of the dilapidated perimeter fence which requires more than $4 million to repair.