Lions might have been innocent
Ongandjera King Jafet Mupiya has called for a thorough investigation into the spate of lion killings in the Omusati Region, saying the government must determine whether the big cats were indeed killed for attacking livestock.
Mupiya said farmers in the Ongandjera grazing area were left with no option but to kill the predators, which are causing havoc in the north.
“If a lion was found killing cattle it must be killed, farmers have to protect their animals. However, the Ministry of Environment and Tourism must conduct a thorough investigation to determine whether the lions were really killed for killing cattle.
“I am not instigating for people to go out and hunt for lions and claim they were found killing their livestock,” Mupiya said.
It is believed that 21 head of cattle have been killed by lions in the last few weeks.
Four lions have so far been killed by northern farmers, with the latest incident involving well-known businessman David Kambwa Sheehama, who killed one of the predators on Sunday.
According to Sheehama, four lions entered his Okerina cattle post on Friday evening about 12km from Etosha National Park and killed two cows. Farmworkers at the cattle post notified him the following day after hearing lions roar.
“There are enough guys at the cattle post who are busy establishing fire cutlines. They had to report these cats to me immediately because they knew their lives were in danger,” he told Namibian Sun.
“I rushed there, but on Saturday we could not find them. We continued the search on Sunday and in the afternoon we found them.
“Unfortunately I only managed to shoot and kill one because it was a dangerous battle.
“I am still going back to hunt for the remaining three because I have to protect my animals and employees,” he said.
It was reported that eight lions had escaped from Etosha National Park, but according to the ministry's spokesperson, Romeo Muyunda, the initial number reported to them was six.
Muyunda condemned the killing of lions by the farmers, saying that the ministry understood their plight, but it was illegal to shoot an endangered animal.
“We have officials out there who can assist the farmers. The killing of lions we are not tolerating,” Muyunda said.
Mupiya said farmers must protect their property and employees from wild animals. He said cattle were being attacked by marauding lions while environment officials were taking their time to respond.
Hilda Namwenyo Nathingo, coordinator of the Sheya Shuushona Conservancy, said the grazing area was within the conservancy and before any wild animal could be killed the hunt must be coordinated with their office and the Ongandjera palace.
“If a lion was killed while killing livestock, the carcasses of both the lion and the livestock must be taken to the palace for proof. Our office together with MET officials will then launch an investigation to see if the animal was really found trespassing. If not, the law will take its course,” Nathingo said.
Farmers are compensated N$1 500 per head of cattle killed by predators.
ILENI NANDJATO
Mupiya said farmers in the Ongandjera grazing area were left with no option but to kill the predators, which are causing havoc in the north.
“If a lion was found killing cattle it must be killed, farmers have to protect their animals. However, the Ministry of Environment and Tourism must conduct a thorough investigation to determine whether the lions were really killed for killing cattle.
“I am not instigating for people to go out and hunt for lions and claim they were found killing their livestock,” Mupiya said.
It is believed that 21 head of cattle have been killed by lions in the last few weeks.
Four lions have so far been killed by northern farmers, with the latest incident involving well-known businessman David Kambwa Sheehama, who killed one of the predators on Sunday.
According to Sheehama, four lions entered his Okerina cattle post on Friday evening about 12km from Etosha National Park and killed two cows. Farmworkers at the cattle post notified him the following day after hearing lions roar.
“There are enough guys at the cattle post who are busy establishing fire cutlines. They had to report these cats to me immediately because they knew their lives were in danger,” he told Namibian Sun.
“I rushed there, but on Saturday we could not find them. We continued the search on Sunday and in the afternoon we found them.
“Unfortunately I only managed to shoot and kill one because it was a dangerous battle.
“I am still going back to hunt for the remaining three because I have to protect my animals and employees,” he said.
It was reported that eight lions had escaped from Etosha National Park, but according to the ministry's spokesperson, Romeo Muyunda, the initial number reported to them was six.
Muyunda condemned the killing of lions by the farmers, saying that the ministry understood their plight, but it was illegal to shoot an endangered animal.
“We have officials out there who can assist the farmers. The killing of lions we are not tolerating,” Muyunda said.
Mupiya said farmers must protect their property and employees from wild animals. He said cattle were being attacked by marauding lions while environment officials were taking their time to respond.
Hilda Namwenyo Nathingo, coordinator of the Sheya Shuushona Conservancy, said the grazing area was within the conservancy and before any wild animal could be killed the hunt must be coordinated with their office and the Ongandjera palace.
“If a lion was killed while killing livestock, the carcasses of both the lion and the livestock must be taken to the palace for proof. Our office together with MET officials will then launch an investigation to see if the animal was really found trespassing. If not, the law will take its course,” Nathingo said.
Farmers are compensated N$1 500 per head of cattle killed by predators.
ILENI NANDJATO
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