OVER 40 cows have been reportedly killed by hyenas that have been terrorising Kasusu area of Chief Mwanjabantu’s Chiefdom in Petauke District of Eastern Province.

And people are living in fear of the hyenas which surfaced sometime in October this year.

Kasusu has a population of over 1,600 people and livestock production is the main economic activity done by the citizens in this part of the country.

One of the affected, Mary Phiri, revealed that last Tuesday, they sent some boys with seven cows to graze, but when they reached the field all the cows went missing. 

Ms Phiri explained that the boys began searching for the cows and managed to find four, but three remained missing until now.

She added that during the search, the boys spotted some strange animals that were able to climb a tree to protect themselves and only informed the community about the missing cows after some time. 

“We searched for the missing cows from Tuesday to Saturday, but we only found their heads on Saturday, along with eight hyenas that fled when they saw us,” she said.

Chief Mwanjabantu’s Representative, Adam Zulu, told ZANIS that more than 40 cows have already been killed by hyenas, which are moving in groups of 14. 

Mr Zulu stated that the presence of hyenas was first noticed in October 2024, and that the attacks primarily occur during the day while the cows are grazing.

He expressed concern over the situation, noting that it is unfortunate that farmers were suffering such losses while trying to recover from last year’s drought, which left them without any means of survival. 

“We therefore appeal to the government through the Department of National Parks and Wildlife to assist the farmers in scaring away the hyenas, as many cows have been killed and only heads are found in the mountains of Chinuka in Manga and Kasondo areas.

“I have already reported the matter to Chieftainess Mwanjabantu,” he said.

Meanwhile, Likando Imagolwa, an area Warden for the Department of National Parks and Wildlife, stated that they have not yet received any reports regarding the matter but said his office will follow it up so that appropriate measures could be undertaken.