FEAR is mounting following the failed attempt to find two lions seen roaming around the village.
On Sunday, 16 July, residents from eMpendle Village in Eshowe, northern KZN, embarked on a search for two lions that had invaded their area.
The lions were spotted by several headmen who then alerted other villagers.
Ezemvelo Wildlife was also called to join the search, and they came, But the search didn't yield any positive outcomes, so they called it off.
Now the villagers are worried that schools are reopening on Tuesday, 18 July, and most of the children walk to schools in the village.
Villager Thembelihle Zikode (41) said that as much as she didn't see the lions, she feared for her and her kids' lives, who would have to walk to school.
"When the search started, I had high hopes that it would yield positive results because schools are reopening tomorrow. How are our children going to walk to school when these lions are still out there," said Thembelihle.
Another villager, Themba Buthelezi (57), said they fear that if these lions are not captured early, they will feed on their livestock.
Ward Councillor Bhekezakhe Makhathini said they are in contact with relevant partners to come and assist them.
"We called Ezemvelo yesterday, and they will resume their search today. But they have educated us on how to handle the situation. As much as they have not confirmed that what people saw were lions, they claim that the description given to them fits that of the lions. We will meet the villagers again to discuss the way forward," he said.
UMlalazi Mayor Queen Xulu said they applaud the swift intervention by the Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife in treating this as a matter of urgency.
"However, we are of a firm view that the efforts of the search should be multiplied and be escalated to relevant authorities and specialists with the necessary expertise to capture these lions. Our biggest worry is that these lions were spotted in residential areas along the uMbohlisa River."
Xulu also called upon those who keep their livestock in the bushes to collect it before the lions attack them.
