WATCH: Unruly driver bumps lioness in Kruger Park

Kruger National Park (KNP) security officers are hot on the heels of an apparently impatient driver that bumped a lioness with his car on the H1-4 between Satara and Olifants Camp on Friday, August 9.

As is usually the case with a lion sighting in the road, there were a lot of cars as the visitors were jostling for positions to get the best possible view of the pride. Unfortunately, the experience was ruined for many as a seemingly impatient driver forced his way through the traffic, bumping a lioness on her rear with his white Toyota Land Cruiser. Unperturbed, the driver kept rushing the lions, forcing them to get out of the way so he could get through.

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“We have consulted with security officers. They picked up the registration number through our advanced camera technology and will be following up. People should realise they are not invisible when in the park,” said the KNP’s spokesperson, Ike Phaahla.

He advised the public to make a note of the vehicle registration number and the location and time of the incident when these occur and report it to the nearest gate or the emergency number that appears on their entry permit. The registration number is then circulated and officers at the gates keep an eye out for that vehicle.

Phaahla said the driver would most likely be issued a spot fine. However, in extreme cases, such as when an animal is run over, the driver might be blacklisted for a period of time. Previous offences are also taken into consideration when determining the penalty.

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A video recording of the incident surfaced on social media, causing a public outcry, with some calling for the driver to be banned from entering the park again. They said not only did he ruin a great sighting for fellow wildlife enthusiasts, but he also endangered the safety of the lioness he hit and the others walking beside her.

“This guy should be reported and banned from all national parks … How is it possible to behave like that in the park?” said Lionel Lacroix.

Sabbu Balu did not mince his words. “What the hell?! This is really unacceptable behaviour. I do hope he gets banned from the park. Poor lioness will now forever be worried of moving cars.”

Jackie Boshoff shared a similar view and addressed the driver directly. “You are a *** chop for bumping a lioness with your bakkie because you are impatient! Absolutely no respect for wildlife. I hope you have been reported and banned from any future entry.”

Lurine Piek shared a different, more sympathetic point of view. “Maybe he still had far to go and the other people were just standing there parked across the road. Not good that he bumped the lioness, but maybe he did not see her?”

This is a developing story.

WATCH: Driver bumps lioness out of his way to get through traffic. >Video: Supplied Safraaz Suliman.