Niël Terblanché
A resident of Katima Mulilo, Likando Mambena, sustained serious injuries when a stray lion attacked him earlier on Monday.
The lion is possibly part of a pride of lions that were seen crossing into Lake Liambezi in the area of Zilitene via Salambala. The lions are presumably from Botswana.
The lions were also sighted in the surroundings of Musanga and Serera last weekend.
An initial report provided by the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism said they are aware of the lions on the loose in the Zambezi region.
According to the ministry’s spokesperson, Romeo Muyunda, details are still sketchy and a full report about the attack on the Katima Resident is still awaited.
“We know that a few livestock were also attacked and killed. We also got a report of one person who was attached and sustained injuries,” he said
Muyunda identified the lion attack victim as Likando Mambena and added that one male lion was shot and killed shortly after the attack. He added that a female escaped.
The attack occurred earlier on Monday in the Chefuzwe area of the Cowboy Location on the outskirts of Katima Mulilo.
Muyunda said officials of the ministry are busy tracking the stray lion.
“In the meantime, we urge communities to remain vigilant. Communities are urged to report any siting of lions to the Ministry,” Muyunda said.
