LIONS are reportedly wreaking havoc in the Nyamakate area of Hurungwe where they have killed livestock including cattle, goats, and donkeys.
The area is situated about 60 kilometres north of Karoi under Hurungwe North constituency.
According to villagers, a pride of lions attacked the livestock at various places during the night.
“Lions are attacking and killing cattle in villages like Cecilia Juliet, Fox and Lima, among others. Some have lost goats and donkeys,’’ said a villager, Robson Mudaka of Lima village.
Another villager Ernest Muranda of Hotel village told NewsDay that human-wildlife conflict is widespread in Nyamakate area within ward 7 under Chief Chundu.
‘‘The ongoing human and wildlife conflict is now an issue of concern among villagers here. We are appealing to the Zimbabwe National Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) to act against problem animals so that villagers can live in harmony with nature,’’ he added.
Chief Chundu confirmed the human-wildlife conflicts.
‘‘I have received several reports of animals killing livestock and we are pushing for traditional rituals over this. Traditionally, it is an indication that something is not well among villagers. We will be doing our best so that communities are not affected,’’ he said.
ZimParks spokesperson Tinashe Farawo said he was yet to get official communication from the Marongora office that manages the area.
‘‘I am still yet to get official communication on the matters, but our mandate is geared towards living in harmony with nature where we strive to make it well balanced. Communities must understand it better so that our nature is preserved,’’ Farawo said.