Zimbabwean authorities have imposed a near-complete moratorium on the hunting of lions, leopards and elephants in and around Hwange National Park following Saturday's poaching death of yet another lion within the park's confines.

The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority announced the ban on Sunday morning. Such hunts will only be permitted "if confirmed and authorized in writing by the Director-General of the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority, and only if accompanied by parks staff whose costs will be met by the landowner."

In the same statement, Director-General Edson Chidziya reminded the public that his agency "will not hesitate to arrest, prosecute and ban for life any persons including professional hunters, clients and land owners."

At least three lions have recently been illegally killed within the park and adjacent areas, including an unnamed lion this past Saturday. In each case, Zimbabwean authorities are looking to press charges against all involved parties.