Chegutu, (New Ziana)-Chegutu Municipality in the Mashonaland West province, has confirmed that the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) is searching for a lion that was seen near Chakari Road five days ago.

“The Chegutu Municipality has noted with concern misinformation circulating on the social media regarding the recent lion sighting in the area. We wish to provide the following update from ZimParks,” it said.

“Tracking efforts are ongoing and currently officials are active on the ground to pursue the animal which was reported near Chakari road,” it added.

The local authority urged individuals with credible information about the animal to report to the nearest police station, ZimParks or Municipal office and to desist from spreading unconfirmed information.

Zimparks spokesperson Tinashe Farawo confirmed the development and advised the public to exercise caution by avoiding bushy, isolated areas, especially near open water sources during early morning and night.

“A reaction team is actively tracking the animal after discovering spoors and hearing roars in the area. Livestock and children should be closely supervised,” he said in a statement.

New Ziana