Warders kill 16 life-threatening hyenas

SIMIYU: SIXTEEN life-threatening hyenas have been killed so far in a special operation that began in the Simiyu region on January 25 this year.

According to the sources, the operation aims to protect the residents in areas where the animals reportedly attacked the residents.

Simiyu Regional Commissioner, Kenani Kihongosi, shared this information during a press briefing about the success of the operation, which was jointly carried out by the Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority (TAWA), the Tanzania Forest Service (TFS), and the Police Force.

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“On December 20, 2024, after hyenas attacked residents, the government took major steps by involving its agencies (TAWA and the Police) and launched an operation. However, by January 25, 2025, a large-scale operation was carried out across the entire region to ensure the elimination of the animals reportedly to attack people in the various areas of the region,” Kihongosi explained.

He continued, “The good news is that since the operation started, our teams have been able to control the situation and have killed 16 hyenas. That is why, as you can see, the situation has calmed down.”

On his part, TAWA’s Public Relations Officer, Beatus Maganja, urged residents in the Simiyu region, especially those in the Itilima District, to avoid walking at night and in the early morning, as these are times when the animals are most active.

In response, the residents of Simiyu, particularly in Itilima District, expressed their gratitude for the government’s efforts in addressing the issue, stating that the action has restored their hope, peace, and stability.