MASVINGO, Zimbabwe – A rumor of a lion roaming freely in Masvingo City caused a stir among residents on Friday. However, the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) swiftly moved to dispel the rumors, assuring the public of their safety.
The scare began when council workers claimed to have spotted a lion on the eastern outskirts of the city. Ward 10 Councillor Sengerai Manyanga further amplified the concern by sharing a social media post warning residents about the alleged predator.
Responding swiftly to the reports, ZimParks dispatched a team of rangers to investigate. After a thorough search, the rangers found no evidence of a lion or any other large wild animal in the area.
ZimParks spokesperson Mr Tinashe Farawo told The Herald Online that there was no lion and assured residents of their safety
”We dispatched a team of rangers to Masvingo City after reports that council employees had spotted a lion but they did not find anything or even trace that there was a lion. The council employee who allegedly saw the lion even failed to show us where he had seen the lion. It was just a hoax,” he said.
”Our message to Masvingo City residents is that they are safe and must conduct their business as usual. Our teams have combed the area and there is no evidence of a lion having been there.”
Residents Relieved, ZimParks Urges Caution
Following ZimParks’ confirmation, residents of Masvingo City breathed a collective sigh of relief. Mr. Farawo emphasized the importance of reporting sightings of wild animals, especially dangerous predators like lions.
“Our message to Masvingo City residents is that they are safe and must conduct their business as usual,” he said. “Our teams have combed the area and there is no evidence of a lion having been there.”
Masvingo City is situated amidst wildlife-rich areas. Kyle Recreational Park lies to the east, while Mushandike Game Park borders the west. This proximity to nature highlights the importance of responsible wildlife management.
While the recent lion sighting turned out to be a false alarm, it serves as a reminder of the importance of coexistence between humans and wildlife. ZimParks’ efforts to monitor animal populations and educate residents about safety measures are crucial in maintaining this balance.
Source: The Herald
