For the past two weeks, Mr Tafireyi Zhou of Fair Range has lost 6 calves to the lions.

Mr Zhou is among many other farmers in the village who have lost their herd to these invader lions which are pouncing on kraals at night.

“For December only I have lost 6 calves to these lions and I have since reported the case to the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority who promised to intervene, however, for the meantime they have cited logistical challenges. Yesterday around 2am I woke for a fierce battle outside as the lion in company of its cubs were attacking my herd and this has been the norm for the past two weeks,” he said.

The recent incidents have further deepened the woes of the villagers who are also grappling with rising cases of human wildlife conflict and crops destruction every year.

Though in many cases locals are accused of vandalising game reserve perimeter fences, it is important for authorities to also ensure proper fencing is done to marks the boundary between villagers and conservancies said Chiredzi north ward 32 councillor Aspect Mashingaidze.

“We believe these wild animals are coming from nearby conservancies. Yes there are reports of vandalism by criminals, however, there is need for an everlasting solution to this problem of human wildlife conflict in this area as it poses a huge threat to our lives,” he said.

Zimparks spokesperson Tinashe Farawo said the communities must always quickly alert parks officials in their areas so that the damage is contained.

Human wildlife conflict remains a serious obstacle to wildlife conservation not only in Zimbabwe hence the need to bring relevant stakeholders under the common objective of finding ways of promoting people living in harmony with wildlife.