NGWEDIVA, May 25 (ANA-Nampa) – Businessman David Kambwa Sheehama has confirmed killing three lions at his father’s cattle post at Uutsathima village in the Omusati Region.
The businessman said the lions had killed two of his father’s cattle.
Ongandjera farmers earlier said four lions that escaped from the Etosha National Park killed more than 20 cattle in the Omutambomawe and Uutsathima areas since last month.
Sheehama killed the first lion on Sunday and handed the carcas in at the Ongandjera palace on Monday. He handed in another two lion carcases at the palace at Uukwandongo village Tuesday morning. One lion remains at large.
Photos of a smiling Sheehama with the bodies of the two lions have been circulating on social media, dividing opinion as some sympathise with the farmers who have lost cattle, while others felt that he should have waited for the Ministry of Environment and Tourism to get involved.
Ongandjera tradition dictates that the skins of lions that are killed be handed in at the palace while the meat is given to the community.
The Ministry of Environment and Tourism said it is illegal to hunt and kill lions in this manner and said they plan to investigate.
“The ministry understands the loss farmers suffered, but we condemn the hunting spree and killing of the lions in that manner,” spokesperson Romeo Muyunda said. – (ANA-Nampa)
