In a dramatic encounter that sounds like it was ripped straight out of a Hollywood blockbuster, a 54-year-old Filabusi man managed to escape death by the skin of his teeth when he was attacked by a leopard in Matabeleland South’s eSiboza area last week.
Fairchild Sibanda was going about his business, trying to round up his cattle, when he found himself in the wrong place at the wrong time. The leopard pounced on him at around 2pm, just as he was investigating why his two dogs had started barking furiously.
Leopard Attacks!
Before he knew it, Sibanda was fighting for his life as the fierce predator tried to sink its teeth into his throat. Fortunately, he was able to keep the leopard at bay and scream for help, which attracted the attention of an unnamed male counterpart who was nearby.
Together, Sibanda and his companion managed to throw stones at the leopard, forcing it to flee back into the nearby bushes. It was a narrow escape for Sibanda, but he survived the attack and was rushed to Filabusi hospital for treatment.
The Reason for the Attack
It’s rare for leopards to attack humans, but this one had a motive. Apparently, the predator was feeding on one of the calves in Sibanda’s herd, and it became violent when it sensed a threat. Sibanda’s wife explained the situation, saying, “The leopard was feeding on one of the calves. I presume that’s why it became so violent.”
A Pattern of Attacks
This attack is just one in a long line of incidents that have been occurring in the area. Wild animal attacks on livestock have been on the rise, forcing villagers to take matters into their own hands and patrol the area day and night. It’s a dangerous and risky job, but it’s one that’s necessary to prevent further losses.
A Similar Incident
This incident is eerily similar to one that occurred in Bulilima district, in which another villager, Gift Moyo, narrowly escaped a leopard attack. Moyo was saved by his seven dogs, who managed to scare off the predator before it could do any serious damage.
Conclusion
It’s a miracle that Sibanda managed to survive such a vicious attack, but it serves as a reminder that danger can lurk around any corner. Villagers in the area will need to remain vigilant and take all necessary precautions to protect themselves and their livestock from further harm.