Community warned about possible escaped lion around Malalane
The wandering lion was seen near Malalane again and has not yet been captured. The public is reminded to be careful.
According to Mel Preddy, chairperson of the Malalane Community Police Forum (CPF), the lion was seen near Esselen’s Nursery on Monday April 6 in the evening, and has not been subsequently spotted.
“Please notify farm staff and residents that may be using the Opdraend road that they should take care, and immediately report any sightings,” Preddy said
The area of risk is likely from Magnesite to Malalane, between the Crocodile River and perhaps some distance south of the N4.
It may be attracted to domestic animals, in the absence of other prey. It is a large predator, and as such does pose a risk to humans.
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Personnel from an agricultural support business near Extension 6 in Malalane reported seeing a lion in an open field near the premises on March 31 in the early morning.
“Residents have also contacted me and confirmed that they have heard lions roar from much closer than usual, and from an unusual direction,” said Preddy.
“MTPA has confirmed the reported presence of a young lion near Obaro in Malalane,” he continued. “It is now ready for a quick response, including tranquilisers and means of transporting it once darted.”
The visual description from those who saw the animal, along with the tracks found at the end of Rooibok Street, indicate at least one young male lion.
Should you spot the animal, please contact Malalane CPF urgently at 082-777-6076 or MTPA Gerrie Camacho (predator specialist) at 082-353-9097, and immediately also send a Google Maps location to the same number via WhatsApp. You may also contact your security company.
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