Woman Fights Off Lion After Savage Attack in Tsholotsho
A 55-year-old woman from Khwale village in Tsholotsho is battling for her life at Mpilo Central Hospital after surviving a vicious lion attack near her home.
Violet Sibanda was ambushed by the stray lion, believed to have wandered from Hwange National Park, just 700 meters from her house.
Ward 16 councillor Isaac Moyo said Sibanda sustained severe injuries, including a torn throat and multiple wounds. Despite the brutal attack, she fought back, strangling the lion until it fled. Alerted by the lion’s roar, villagers rushed to the scene but couldn’t locate the predator.
Sibanda was immediately taken to a local clinic and later transferred to Mpilo Hospital due to the severity of her injuries.
Authorities, including the Tsholotsho RDC and game rangers, have since launched efforts to track the lion. Moyo has called on the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority to cover Sibanda’s medical expenses, highlighting her dire situation. Woman Fights Off Lion After Savage Attack in Tsholotsho
Tsholotsho RDC chairperson Rophus Ndlovu noted the increasing human-wildlife conflict as animals leave parks in search of water and food, urging swift action to prevent further tragedies.
Meanwhile, Parks Authority spokesperson Tinashe Farawo confirmed their teams are on the ground and emphasized community awareness on handling wildlife encounters.
