Staff Reporter

A headman from Chimulu Village in Zambia’s Chasefu District is being hailed as a hero after he fought and killed a leopard with an axe following a sudden attack yesterday morning.

The dramatic incident occurred around 8:00 AM yesterday while Binwell Nyirenda, known locally as Headman Yolamu was cutting firewood in the bush.

Nyirenda was charged by the leopard, which reportedly lunged at him from behind a thicket.

Armed only with the axe he was using to cut trees, Nyirenda fought fiercely for his life, striking the wild animal multiple times until it was dead.

“I just saw it coming from behind the bush. I had no choice but to defend myself.

It was a matter of life and death,” said Nyirenda, who sustained minor injuries on his arms and legs.

Villagers quickly rushed to the scene after the attack and found the lifeless leopard near the injured headman.

They helped escort Nyirenda back to the village for medical attention.

Villagers have since praised Nyirenda as a true village hero, saying his courage saved not only his life but potentially others in the community.

The Zambian Department of National Parks and Wildlife has urged the public to exercise extreme caution when entering bushy areas, especially during the current dry season when wild animals often wander closer to human settlements in search of food and water.