By Rex Mphisa
THE collard lioness which has been moving around and causing a lot of fear to Beitbridge communities has crossed back to RSA and now moving towards Musina, according to a message from the Parks and Wildlife Department.
“The Lioness moved 24kms towards the East and safely crossed Limpopo River back to South Africa around 1900hrs yesterday,” said the message supported by tracker images.
“This is very good news to both the Beitbridge District community, Zimparks, and all Stakeholders ,” said the message.
“We would also like to take this opportunity to thank ZRP, Zimra Drone Crew, BBRDC, Beitbridge Campfire Coordinator (Samuel Sibanda) and all the stakeholders who were directly or indirectly involved on the hunt & monitoring of this lioness,” said the message.
The lioness travelled to just behind Mawale Hills last week when it was around just about 10 kilometres outside the border town.
It entered Beitbridge through the eastern part when it was believed to be in the company of three cubs and a male lion believed to have remained behind at the Crooks Corner 130 kilometres east.
It created a lot of anxiety, panic and excitement with villagers making reports each time they saw large footprints.
It even disrupted daily patterns of life in the areas it had been seen and had children abandoning school.
Fun makers used artificial intelligence to create lions placing them on locations in the central business district causing panic.
On Tuesday it was headed for Musina, leaving relieved Beitbridge residents in its trail.