Two escaped lions killed by fearful communities neighbouring Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park
Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife says a new fence is going up to replace one that had broken, allowing wild animals to pass through and roam into communities in Nongoma.
This past weekend, two lions that had been on the loose for weeks were killed by locals.
Nongoma Mayor Albert Mncwango says locals in eMasokaneni and Ngoloje have been living in fear.
"People are dependent on collecting firewood from the neighbouring forests, and children have to walk long distances to schools. There has been a lot of fear because people have not been able to walk around freely," said the mayor.
He says work on the the new fence has begun.
"Since Monday, people have been working and clearing to put in a new fence. We will be employing 250 people from the local communities to erect the fences to prevent the animals from escaping," said Mntambo.
The DA has reacted to the killings, saying the lions' deaths are as a result of the ineptitude of Ezemvelo.
They are believed to have been part of pride of 13 lions that got out through the broken fence at the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park last month.
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Nongoma Mayor Albert Mncwango says locals in eMasokaneni and Ngoloje have been living in fear.
"People are dependent on collecting firewood from the neighbouring forests, and children have to walk long distances to schools. There has been a lot of fear because people have not been able to walk around freely," said the mayor.
Ezemvelo's Musa Mntambo has urged communities to report wild animal sightings to authorities.
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He says work on the the new fence has begun.
"Since Monday, people have been working and clearing to put in a new fence. We will be employing 250 people from the local communities to erect the fences to prevent the animals from escaping," said Mntambo.
He said the project is expected to run until at least December.
ALSO READ: Search for escaped Hluhluwe lion continues
The DA has reacted to the killings, saying the lions' deaths are as a result of the ineptitude of Ezemvelo.
