Villagers around Belmont Farm spent the better part of yesterday indoors after one lion was reported to have been spotted around Mushuwo Mountain.

National Parks wardens rushed to the mountain while police patrolled the area, sensitising villagers to avoid walking around.

“We are living in fear of the lion,” said one of the villagers.

“Police are moving around urging people to remain at their homes saying the lion is a serious danger to people.

“National Parks officers have been called to monitor the mountain,” said the villager.

One of the game park wardens was reported to have been tracking the lions’ spoor.

“We have been tracking the lion’s spoor, it crossed the Mupfure River, now into Mashonaland East, spoor was last seen on Sunday morning at Mandimutsira Farm number 27, Ward 7, Murehwa District, under Chief Mangwende.

“No kills were reported in the area.

“Avoid moving at night please, especially on foot.

“Teams are on the ground trying to locate it.

“Will keep you posted on the latest reports,” reads a message circulating among the villagers.

National Parks and Wildlife Management Authority head of communications, Tinashe Farawo, said:

“As Parks and Wildlife Management Authority, we respond quickly when we receive reports of any escaping of wild animals,” said Farawo.

“After receiving reports of the lion, we responded and our teams are on the ground to search for such reported lions.

“As for now, nothing is at hand besides rumour from villagers.

“If our teams finds anything we will definitely update,” said Farawo.(hmetro)