Africa-Press – Eswatini. Fear and uncertainty have gripped residents of Mhlangatane after suspected hyenas attacked and killed livestock in nearby mountain grazing areas, leaving communities worried about their safety, livelihoods, and daily movement.
A local resident, Mr Dlamini, said at eight cattle have been killed since early last month, when residents first noticed unusual animal activity in the grazing lands. He explained that the attacks have not only caused heavy financial losses but have also disrupted normal farming routines that many families depend on for survival.
“We started seeing signs last month that something was hunting our livestock. Now we have lost eight cows, and we suspect it is hyenas,” he said, adding that fear has now spread across the community.
According to Dlamini, the matter was reported to Hlane game park and Buhleni Police Station, as residents sought urgent intervention. However, the situation has continued to escalate, with community members now avoiding mountain paths and grazing fields due to fear of further attacks.
The fear has also been compounded by the fact that residents are unable to take action themselves. Hunting wild animals is prohibited by law, leaving the community fully dependent on authorities for assistance and protection.
Responding to the concerns, senior ranger Mpendulo Gamedze from Hlane Royal National Park confirmed that they visited the area following reports from the community. However, heavy rains made it difficult to track the animal, as footprints were washed away before clear identification could be made.
“Residents showed us pictures they captured, and we also suspect that the animals responsible are hyenas,” said Gamedze, noting that investigations are still ongoing to confirm the exact species involved.
He added that rangers are planning to set traps in an effort to capture the animal and prevent further attacks on livestock. Gamedze noted that similar incidents have occurred before, including a case involving a leopard in Nsalitje, which was successfully captured by wildlife authorities after repeated reports from the community.
He urged residents not to attempt to kill the animal but to report sightings to the game park or the police. Gamedze also warned the public to avoid walking alone at night, especially near rivers and grazing areas, to reduce the risk of possible attacks.
The incident has reignited concern over increasing human wildlife conflict in rural communities, where livelihoods and safety are increasingly under threat as wild animals move closer to settlements.
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