MASVINGO -- The Department of National Parks has failed to recapture four lions that escaped from a private game conservancy here, leaving villagers living in fear of the dangerous beasts. (Pictured: Escaped lions cause panic among villagers in Masvingo)The lions escaped after they were left unattended for days following the eviction of the white owner of the game sanctuary, Ronnie Sparrow, from his property by a top Zanu (PF) official.
Sparrow went into hiding in March this year after the police indicated they wanted to arrest him for failing to vacate his Quarter Parks Farm, which has since been taken over by former Zanu (PF) Masvingo provincial chairman, retired army major Alex Mudavanhu.
Sparrow, who also had another conservancy, Simply Wild, was forced to leave 59 caged lions, 26 buffaloes, 18 antelopes, 15 horses, five giraffes as well as several small animals at the conservancy unattended.
Simply Wild Farm manager Mureriwa Ndumbi told Radio VOP that of eight lions escaped but four were later re-captured, leaving the other four roaming free, leaving families in the nearby Chikwanda communal area fearing for their lives and livestock.
It is true that some lions escaped from their cages last week, but the Parks Department sent some officials who re-captured only four. The other four have not been captured and are said to be causing untold suffering to the Chikwanda villagers as well as other resettled farmers, so the government mulls shooting them, Ndumbi said.
Parks Department public relations manager, Caroline-Washaya-Moyo confirmed the escape of the eight lions.
The lions escaped last week and our professional hunters trekked them and managed to get only four. The other four are roaming around, and we will have no option except to shoot them, Washaya-Moyo said.
Trevor Ganyani, of Ganyani farm bordering the Chikwanda community, said some villagers had lost four beasts to the lions. He said people were now afraid to walk alone-let alone in the dark-due to the fear of these animals.
Following Sparrows departure from the country, into self-exile in neighboring South Africa, the Parks Department, which had been invited to help in the upkeep of the animals, has been struggling to take care of the animals.
The lions need at least a tone of beef everyday, besides the medicines for their upkeep.