Two of six lions that strayed into Mwalala ward in Luano Valley in Central Province last month, causing terror among the local people, have been killed. Government has commended officers from the Department of National Parks and Wildlife for gunning down the two beasts and has urged them not to relent in ridding the area of such dangerous animals to safeguard lives.

Luano District Commissioner Christopher Chibuye said in an interview yesterday that the six lions, which have killed 14 goats, are believed to have come from the South Luangwa National Park. Mr Chibuye said people in Chief Chembe’s area have been living in fear since the beasts strayed into the area. “Six lions were spotted in Mwalala. They are believed to have come from South Luangwa National Park but we also have Tumbwe Game Reserve,” Mr Chibuye said.

He said no human life has been lost but that residents had been living in fear. He said the district administration is happy with the efforts the officers are making in safeguarding people’s lives. “Two lions have been killed and the remaining four have been directed towards Tumbwe Game Reserve,” Mr Chibuye said. He said the situation is now calm and that game scouts are currently monitoring the situation. Mr Chibuye said people have been advised to live normal lives and be on high alert. Mr Chibuye said Government is ready to deploy more officers to protect the residents from the beasts.