Elephant attacks and kills a wildlife scout in Zambia

An elephant has attacked and killed a Zambia Wildlife Authority (ZAWA) Scout Lameck Chisangu of Mboola Village in Lupande Game Management Area (GMA).

ZAWA Communications and Public Relations Officer Readith Mwila Muliyunda confirmed the development in a press statement yesterday.

Ms Muliyunda said on the night of September 26 this year, Mr Chisangu, 34, of Kakumbi Community Resource Board woke up to noise of villagers trying to scare away elephants that had strayed in the village.

Upon hearing the noise, the deceased rushed out of his house to assist and unfortunately was attacked by one of the elephants.

He was then rushed to the hospital in the area where he died leaving behind his wife and four children.

"ZAWA has managed to control one of the elephants although it is not clear how many elephants were there at the time.

Lupande GMA buffers the South Luangwa National Park in Mfuwe. ZAWA would like to convey its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family," she said.

ZAWA has also cautioned members of the public that two lions are reported to have strayed into Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park IN Livingstone.

Ms Muliyunda said the lions were suspected to have either come from across the borders with neighbouring countries such as Zimbabwe or from Kafue National Park.

"Extra caution is required by people entering the Park and cycling after 18hours and before 06hours should be avoided.

Operators conducting walks in the Park should ensure that all their clients are escorted by a Wildlife Police Officer to avoid accidents. ZAWA officers are on the ground trying to locate the exact location of the lions," Ms Muliyunda said.