Several villagers in Katyetye’s Chiefdom in Isoka District of Muchinga province are leaving in fear following continued attacks of a human being and livestock by stray Lions.
Isoka District Commissioner, Collins Sichivula has confirmed the development to the Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS) today.
Mr Sichivula said the lions Killed two cows and one pig in Katyetye village on Tuesday this week.
He explained that reports of lions terrorising people and livestock started on June 18, 2022 when they killed and ate Innocent Siwale of Kazilamawe village in Katyetye chiefdom.
“I received fresh report of the lions killing three domestic animals in Katyetye village yesterday”, he said.
Mr. Sichivula stated that officers from the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) have been deployed to the area to help in controlling the Lions.
“The Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) has Authorised people in the area who have licensed fire Arms to kill lions in Katyetye chiefdom as it takes a long time for the wildlife officers to reach the scene of attack,” the DC added.
Meanwhile a check by the Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS) has revealed that paw makings of Hyenas have also been spotted in Katyetye Kazilamawe villages for the last seven days.
The Department of Wildlife makes a lot of money from hunting licenses, why can’t they invest some of that money by fencing off GMAs. Both humans and animals require to be protected. I therefore find the permit to those with firearms to kill lions which are a protected specie as irregular. ZAWA officers must drive those beasts back to their usual sanctuary. Unfortunately the officers are at the moment very demotivated especially after the cancelation of safari hunting tenders. Reports are that they’ve gone for 6 months without pay. They were expectant of the revenue from the tenders. This is the same case as that of Shimabala. Instead of the Minister addressing these challenges they fired the DG as if he’s the one that has caused lions to stray. One day in the near future some people…
The lions are not happy with the current government’s lack of enforcement of the onservation policy. The hunts by European fake hunters should be stopped. Preservation of wildlife Diversity is ground zero. The rhinos in North Luangwa need to be supported. Mumvera ba new dawn?
Fencing off GMAs is impractical. They are vast and would be a very huge cost. And remember most GMAs have people living in them