Niël Terblanché
Panic ensued amongst certain communities of the Kavango East Region following the sightings of stray lions in areas where hundreds of learners walk to and from school daily.
This has led to the temporary suspension of classes at four schools in the Mukwe circuit.
According to a warning issued by the Directorate of Education, Arts and Culture in Kavango East, the schools affected are Kangongo Combined School, Thikanduko Primary School, Mayara Combined School, and Katanga Primary School.
The authority added that classes have been suspended for Thursday and Friday, while teachers and support staff members will have to remain on duty.
The education authority’s internal memorandum stated that the situation is subject to change based on updates from the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism.
Romeo Muyunda, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, confirmed the sightings of three lions in the Mukwe constituency.
“The lions were initially observed in the areas of Mayara, Katenture, and Shamangorwa villages. This morning, our staff members monitoring and tracking their movements spotted tracks at Mbwata Village in Ndiyona Constituency. The indication is that the lions have split, as only two tracks of a male and female can be seen,” he said in a statement issued shortly after the announcement of the school closures.
Muyunda urged communities in the nearby areas to remain vigilant.
Livestock owners were advised to keep their animals in kraals at night.
“The lions are suspected to have come from the Bwabwata National Park and are believed to be heading towards Khaudum National Park. Residents around Khaudum National Park are also advised to be cautious,” he added.
According to Muyunda, since the initial sighting on Monday, the lions have killed a calf in Tjova village and a goat in Katenture village.
He said that these incidents will be handled in accordance with the policy for human-wildlife conflict management.
“If the lions are passing by and do not pose a threat to you or your property, avoid provoking them or taking the law into your own hands,” cautioned Muyunda.
The closure of the schools in Kavango East comes just over a month after Likando Mambena, a resident of Katima Mulilo, sustained serious injuries in a lion attack.
The lion, possibly part of a pride seen crossing into Lake Liambezi from Botswana, attacked Mambena in the Chefuzwe area of Cowboy Location on the outskirts of Katima Mulilo.
One male lion was shot and killed shortly after the attack by MEFT officials shortly after the attack.
“We will continue to monitor their movement and provide regular updates. We appeal once more to the communities and farmers that any sightings of lions near settlements should be reported to officials in the area or by calling chief warden Selma Angolo at 081 143 19 88,” Muyunda said.
He reiterated, that in the meantime communities should remain vigilant and report any sightings of lions to the Ministry.
Lion sightings cause panic and force school closures in Kavango East
Niël Terblanché
Panic ensued amongst certain communities of the Kavango East Region following the sightings of stray lions in areas where hundreds of learners walk to and from school daily.
This has led to the temporary suspension of classes at four schools in the Mukwe circuit.
According to a warning issued by the Directorate of Education, Arts and Culture in Kavango East, the schools affected are Kangongo Combined School, Thikanduko Primary School, Mayara Combined School, and Katanga Primary School.
The authority added that classes have been suspended for Thursday and Friday, while teachers and support staff members will have to remain on duty.
The education authority’s internal memorandum stated that the situation is subject to change based on updates from the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism.
Romeo Muyunda, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, confirmed the sightings of three lions in the Mukwe constituency.
“The lions were initially observed in the areas of Mayara, Katenture, and Shamangorwa villages. This morning, our staff members monitoring and tracking their movements spotted tracks at Mbwata Village in Ndiyona Constituency. The indication is that the lions have split, as only two tracks of a male and female can be seen,” he said in a statement issued shortly after the announcement of the school closures.
Muyunda urged communities in the nearby areas to remain vigilant.
Livestock owners were advised to keep their animals in kraals at night.
“The lions are suspected to have come from the Bwabwata National Park and are believed to be heading towards Khaudum National Park. Residents around Khaudum National Park are also advised to be cautious,” he added.
According to Muyunda, since the initial sighting on Monday, the lions have killed a calf in Tjova village and a goat in Katenture village.
He said that these incidents will be handled in accordance with the policy for human-wildlife conflict management.
“If the lions are passing by and do not pose a threat to you or your property, avoid provoking them or taking the law into your own hands,” cautioned Muyunda.
The closure of the schools in Kavango East comes just over a month after Likando Mambena, a resident of Katima Mulilo, sustained serious injuries in a lion attack.
The lion, possibly part of a pride seen crossing into Lake Liambezi from Botswana, attacked Mambena in the Chefuzwe area of Cowboy Location on the outskirts of Katima Mulilo.
One male lion was shot and killed shortly after the attack by MEFT officials shortly after the attack.
“We will continue to monitor their movement and provide regular updates. We appeal once more to the communities and farmers that any sightings of lions near settlements should be reported to officials in the area or by calling chief warden Selma Angolo at 081 143 19 88,” Muyunda said.
He reiterated, that in the meantime communities should remain vigilant and report any sightings of lions to the Ministry.
