18 Aug 2021

Seronga Police are investigating an incident in which a 34 year old man of Gunutsoga in the Okavango District was killed by a lion on Monday.

Station commander, Superintendent Peter Masole confirmed the incident in an interview on Wednesday, stating that the deceased met his fate while searching for a missing axe.

He said the previous week the deceased together with two companions, both 27, had gone to cut logs and they lost an axe while escaping some elephants they had spotted.   

Superintendent Masole said on that fateful day, the trio took guns and headed to a cattle post, about nine kilometres from Gunutsoga in search of the mixing axe.

He stated that they heard dogs barking and rushing to the scene they found a cub.  

He said upon seeing the cub they agreed the cub’s mother could be near.

The trio, decided to climb a nearby tree for refuge and the lioness came from nowhere and attacked the deceased leaving him with serious injuries on the neck and the head.

He said the other two men scared it away in attempt to rescue their partner before reporting the matter to the police.

Upon arrival at the scene, the police rushed him to the village clinic where he was certified dead.

Superintendent Masole appealed to members of the community to be cautious when in the bush as a lot of animals were roaming freely in search of water and grazing.

Meanwhile, Sehithwa station commander, Superintendent Nshaka Mabophiwa has expressed concern about bush fires around Lake Ngami and surrounding settlements.

He said since June, they had experienced veld fires which endangered the lives of the residents, livestock and wildlife.

Superintendent Mabophiwa therefore warned members of the community to report those suspected to be responsible for such fires.

The police chief also expressed concern over some members of the public who were reluctanct to help to fight veld fires.

Superintendent Mabophiwa appealed to the public to play their part to protect the beauty of the lake, adding that it was important for them to help prevent bush fires. ENDS