Victoria Falls Man Fights Off Lion in Brutal Attack, Survives
VICTORIA FALLS – A 29-year-old man from Woodlands Resettlement Area is recovering after surviving a vicious lion attack while trying to protect his community’s livestock.
Metrod Tshuma was ambushed on Saturday morning near a grazing area where residents had reported the lion’s presence.
Loud shouts, barking dogs and the beast’s roar signalled imminent danger.
As Tshuma rushed to assist others in driving the predator away, the lion suddenly attacked him from behind.
The animal bit off his thumb and inflicted deep wounds on his head and hand. Injured and bleeding, Tshuma fought back, managing to push the lion away before calling for help.
His colleagues arrived quickly and rescued him. He was rushed to Victoria Falls Hospital, where he remains under medical care.
Recalling the harrowing encounter, Tshuma said, “I felt its teeth tearing into me, and I knew I had to fight for my life. I pushed with everything I had, praying I would survive.”
According to ZBC, the same lion had killed a cow the previous day and later mauled two donkeys after attacking Tshuma.
The incident has deepened fears in the community, which has already lost over 50 cattle to wild animals this year alone.
Residents are now appealing to authorities for intervention, citing concerns over collared lions roaming near human settlements.
“We need urgent action. Some of these lions are tagged, yet they continue to pose a threat to our people and livestock. Children walking long distances to school are especially vulnerable,” said one community member.
As Tshuma recovers from his ordeal, his survival serves as a stark reminder of the growing human-wildlife conflict gripping the area.
With residents living in fear and livestock losses mounting, urgent solutions are needed before another life is caught in the crosshairs of nature’s predators.
