Stray lions from the Kruger National Park have resurfaced at Tshikwalakwala and surrounding villages in the Beit Bridge area, where they are reportedly terrorizing villagers.

The local councillor, Cllr Enock Ndou, confirmed the development, saying the animals were killing livestock. “The lions from the neighbouring Kruger National Park are causing havoc in Tshikwalakwala area, where they are killing villagers’ cattle and donkeys," he said. “There are, however, no reports of human deaths as the lions are only found in remote parts of the village and mainly targeting livestock.”

A local school principal, Mr Elliot Saidi, said the lions were also a threat to school children. “The animals are normally seen patrolling in remote bushy areas and we call on the relevant authorities to address the problem as a matter of urgency."

The latest development comes hard on the heels of a similar problem encountered in the area. Last month, elephants from the same wildlife sanctuary descended on the surrounding villages of Shashane and Tshamaswiswi and destroyed crops. At Tshamaswiswi Irrigation Scheme, the animals pulled down the fence. The elephants also killed three people, a 40 year-old man, a pregnant woman and her three-year-old toddler.