Zim GBC News Reporter
Victoria Falls – A 29-year-old man from the Woodlands Resettlement Area narrowly escaped death after a vicious lion attack on Saturday morning, highlighting growing concerns over human-wildlife conflict in the region.
Metrod Tshuma, now recovering at Victoria Falls Hospital, recounted the harrowing ordeal, which began when he heard frantic shouts and the roar of a lion near the community’s cattle grazing area.
“I heard people shouting and dogs barking. I ran out and realized a lion was nearby, so I joined my colleagues to try and scare it away,” Tshuma said.
However, the situation turned deadly when the lion ambushed him from behind.
“It came from the thicket and attacked me from my back. It bit off my thumb and clawed my head and hand,” he explained, describing the moments of sheer terror.
Bleeding and in excruciating pain, Tshuma managed to push the lion away and stagger toward a tree, calling for help.
“I cried out, and thankfully, my colleagues came to rescue me,” he said.
The lion, reportedly collared and part of a growing problem in the area, had allegedly killed a neighbor’s cow the previous day. After attacking Tshuma, it went on to maul two donkeys, further fueling fears among residents.
“We are living in constant fear,” said one community member.
“This lion is dangerous, and our children walk long distances to school. We appeal to the authorities to intervene before someone is killed.”
The incident adds to rising tensions in the area, where villagers have lost over 50 cattle to wild animals this year alone. As Tshuma recovers from his injuries, his survival serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for solutions to mitigate human-wildlife conflict.
“I thank God for protecting me,” Tshuma said.
“But something must be done—next time, it could be worse.”
Authorities have yet to comment on the incident, but locals are demanding immediate action to prevent further tragedies.
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