South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal residents on alert after lion escapes private reserve

Residents in northern KwaZulu-Natal Province have been warned to remain vigilant after a lion was spotted near a highway between Nongoma and Pongola municipalities.

Government wildlife agency spokesperson Ayanda Dube says officials were alerted after reports emerged of a lion roaming along a provincial route between Nongoma and Pongola.

"We can confirm that the sighting was real. However, we suspect that the lion escaped from Mkuze Falls Private Game Reserve. We appeal to members of the public to report any wild animal sightings to the nearest police station," said Dube.

The warning comes as wildlife authorities in Mpumalanga recently concluded another operation involving a lion on the loose.

Second lion captured

The Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) has confirmed that a second lion that had been roaming outside Mbombela has been successfully captured in the Barberton Valley.

The first lion was caught more than two weeks ago along Uitkyk Road on the outskirts of Mbombela City.

The agency used drones, helicopters and ground teams during the extensive search operation.

Concerns over roaming lions have grown in recent months. Last month, a farmer in Mpumalanga province was attacked by a lion after stepping outside his home to investigate unusual behaviour among his cattle.

The farmer suspected predators were nearby and went to inspect the situation. The lion then charged him.