Masvingo City residents experienced a wave of panic as rumors circulated about a lone lion roaming in the vicinity.
The reports, sparked by council workers claiming to have spotted the animal on the city’s eastern fringes, caused concern among residents.
However, the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) swiftly responded, dispelling the rumors and assuring the public of their safety.
Ward 10 Councillor, Sengerai Manyanga, contributed to the growing speculation by sharing a message on social media, warning residents about the presence of the lion on the outskirts of the city.
This further heightened the anxiety among the local population.
To address the situation, ZimParks spokesperson Mr. Tinashe Farawo provided clarification, stating that there was no evidence of a lion in the area.
Upon receiving the reports, ZimParks dispatched a team of rangers to investigate the alleged sighting but found no trace of the lion. The council employee who initially reported the sighting failed to provide any specific location or evidence to support the claim, leading authorities to conclude that it was a hoax.
Mr. Farawo said that, Masvingo City residents should feel safe and continue with their daily activities as usual.
He assured the public that ZimParks had thoroughly combed the area and found no signs of a lion’s presence.
However, Mr. Farawo urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report any sightings of wild animals, especially dangerous predators like lions. Masvingo is situated in close proximity to wildlife habitats, with Kyle Recreational Park located to the east and Mushandike Game Park to the west.
While this recent incident turned out to be a false alarm, ZimParks emphasizes the importance of maintaining awareness and reporting any genuine encounters with wildlife.
By working together, authorities and the public can ensure the safety of both residents and the region’s diverse wildlife.
