Villagers are living in fear after being terrorized by lions at Bennde Mutale, near Tshikondeni Mine. The lions have so far mauled more than 30 cattle belonging to the local villagers and there is fear that the bloodthirsty animals can even attack community members.

In some instances, the lions went through to the village and mauled the cattle right inside the kraals at night, a move that has sent shockwaves through the community of the small village.

The situation became tense when three cattle were attacked two weeks ago at the local grazing field. As if that was not enough, three more cattle were killed last weekend. Broken bones of the dead cattle, blood and skulls bear testimony to the shocking incidents. The cattle herders say they are even afraid to go to the grazing field because they now fear for their lives.

Villagers claim that the lions came from the Kruger National Park through a hole in the fence, mauled the cattle, and returned to the park. They further claim that the fence was damaged by Zimbabwean illegal immigrants who cross through the park, in search of greener pastures in South Africa. They also allege that a helicopter was spotted last week while channeling the lions back to the park.

The chairperson of the Bennde Mutale Livestock Farmers, Mr Nkhangweleni Mafenya, says the situation has gotten out of hand to such an extent that people are also afraid to walk in the night. "We are not safe here. Even our livestock are not safe," said a fuming Mafenya.

He said for the past three to four years, the lions have mauled more than 30 cattle, worth thousands of rands, in the village. "The latest incident makes our blood run cold because of fear. The cattle came back home running in fear and we realized that some of them were missing. We then went to the grazing fields the next morning and we were greeted with the remains of the dead cattle. We are tired of brooding in silence and something must be done before the lions kill us."

Mafenya said he personally tried to speak to a senior manager at the Kruger National Park, but there has never been any positive response from the park. "Our people need to be compensated for the damage and steps should be taken against those who might be found negligent."

A cattle herder in the village, Thomas Gangazhe (20), said: "Death is always knocking on our doorsteps and we cannot guarantee whether we will be dead or alive by tomorrow. Something must be done before it is too late."

The media relations practitioner at the Kruger National Park, Raymond Travers, said the park has never received an official report about the incidents. "We do not have records concerning the incident but urge people who have evidence to come forward, using the relevant channels. If the animals go out of the park, we no longer have control over them; they become the property of the Limpopo government. If it is true that this has really happened, we can only assist if we have been requested by the Limpopo government to do so."

However, the acting deputy manager for the Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism in Vhembe, Mr Frank Muthelo, admits that he is aware of the incidents. "The incidents have really touched us and we have sent professional personnel to the village. They will be stationed there for five days and we will send others if there is a need for additional backup. We will make sure that the dangerous animals are removed from our beloved community."