15 Dec 2014

Farmers in Lesoma in the Chobe District are complaining of  marauding lions in the village that kill their cattle.

Ms Lesikalengwe Mochawacha, said in an interview that she lost most of her cattle to lions, noting that she sold the last two for fear that she might lose them to lions. She said there were cases where lions would cross to the Zimbabwe side of the border and kill cattle.

Wildlife officer Mr Limbo Mbanga said since July this year, 16 cases of lions killing cattle were reported to his office. “I have noticed that this normally occurs around the dry season,” explained Mr Mbanga.

The village chief, Kgosi Lesoma Lesoma has not been spared of this onslaught.  He noted that he has had two encounters where he lost his cattle to lions.  He said some residents have reported that they had spotted three lions which frequent the nearby water hole to prey on cattle.

“In November only, six cases have been reported,” said the worried Kgosi Lesoma, noting that he had approached the wildlife officers and was hopeful that something was being done. “I frequently ponder on the safety of villagers,” said Kgosi Lesoma.

Kgosi Lesoma said it was disheartening for one to lose livestock in such a manner more so that without proper evidence one would not be compensated, quoting Section 46 of the Wildlife and Conservation Act.

He also said the village was struggling with elephants which roamed the village but with the help of the newly erected electric fence such incidents have halted. Lesoma veterinary officer Mr Khomela Khomela, said he had attended to many livestock with lion wounds.  

He said the Department of Wildlife normally carried patrols in the afternoons, near water holes.  ENDS