A mysterious predator has devastated a livestock farmer in Thabakhubelu, killing 14 sheep in a single morning and sparking fear across the rural community of Mphoko Lumaluma, in the Mohale’s Hoek District.
The victim, Mashapha Lethoko, estimates the loss at M21, 000 based on his usual sale price of M1, 500 per sheep.
“I have never seen anything like this before. It wasn’t the usual phokojoe [jackal] that attacks our animals. This one was bigger, about the size of a calf,” Lethoko said in disbelief
The bizarre and brutal attack occurred around 8 a.m. on Wednesday, June 11, when Lethoko briefly left his cattle post to borrow a spade from a nearby village to clear snow blocking the sheep’s path.
Upon returning, he was horrified to find the unknown beast already attacking his flock.
“It continued feeding as if I wasn’t even there. My dog tried to chase it off, but it killed him too. That’s when I knew this was something we’ve never dealt with before. I ran,” he recounted.
Lethoko described the predator as scarred, with a coat like that of a calf and a prominent muzzle. Despite his efforts to scare it away by throwing stones, the creature refused to flee.
Out of his 34 sheep, only 20 remain.
The farmer, who did not have insurance for his animals, is now facing the full weight of the financial loss.
“Had they been insured, it wouldn’t feel this heavy hearted,” he admitted.
The incident has raised alarm among fellow farmers, many of whom now fear that the beast may strike again. Lethoko has urged community members to remain on high alert.
The gravity of the incident reached national attention with Prime Minister Sam Matekane, a farmer himself, accompanied by officials, visited the site to witness the aftermath first-hand and express solidarity with the affected farmer.
Meanwhile, Mokoenihi Thinyane, National Chairman of the Lesotho National Wool and Mohair Growers Association (LNWMGA), confirmed that although he had not yet received a formal report from the district chairman, he had been briefed by the Minister of Agriculture.
“He told me the ministry had received the report and is working on plans to assist the farmer. I am further told that the minister is sourcing livestock to compensate the farmer’s loss,” said Thinyane.
He also urged all farmers, particularly during the winter months, to keep their flocks close to home or nearby animal posts for quicker rescue in the event of attacks.
District Agriculture Officer ’Malerato Lekhooa confirmed that she had reported the case to the Director of Livestock Services, adding that stakeholders were being mobilised to visit the site. “Whatever this creature is must be caught,” she insisted. “If not, farmers in that area will continue to lose their animals.”
