A woman was mauled to death by a lion as she made love to her boyfriend outdoors in Zimbabwe, it was reported today.
Sharai Mawera died yesterday after the big cat pounced while she was enjoying a romantic moment in the bush with her unnamed partner.
The My Zimbabwe news website reported that the predator attacked the couple at a secluded spot in the bush near the northern town of Kariba.
Ms Mawera’s boyfriend, who has not been identified, is believed to have jumped up and fled in the nude when the lion lunged forward.
A source told the newspaper the young woman died at the scene.
He said: ‘Unfortunately the woman was mauled to death by the lion, but her boyfriend managed to escape naked.’
A friend of the couple told My Zimbabwe Ms Mawera had worked at the local market and that her partner was a fisherman
The friend said: ‘He is a fisherman and he used to often meet at the same spot with his girlfriend, who is now deceased.
‘The two were romping when the incident occurred. The lion came from behind and roared.
‘The guy managed to escape before stopping at a distance where he witnessed his companion being attacked.
‘He later rushed to the road seeking help.’
My Zimbabwe reported that the terrified man managed to raise the alarm.
Local police and armed rangers from the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority rushed to the scene.
The source said: ‘Cops and officers attended the scene and fired a single shot before getting to the spot.
‘The woman had already been killed. She had bloody bruises all over her body. Her neck and tummy had been mauled.’
Rangers launched a hunt for the lion following the tragedy, amid concern the same animal may have killed a local man who disappeared at the weekend.
The remains of the victim were found yesterday on the outskirts of the town, which lies near the Zambezi river.
Police believe the man, who has not been named, was mauled by a lion as he walked home from a nightclub.
Zimbabwe’s state-controlled Herald newspaper reported that officers believed the fact the woman killed yesterday was mauled rather than eaten suggested the same lion could have been responsible for both attacks and not regained its appetite since devouring part of its first victim.
The newspaper added: ‘Residents of the town are now living in fear as the lions are still roaming freely as there are yet to be caught.’