Residents claim to have ‘spotted’ four leopards in village near Rustenburg

First it was tigers, then buffalo. Now residents of Moruleng village in the North West have claimed to have seen four leopards roaming the streets of Rustenburg over the last couple of weeks, despite the fact that leopards are solitary animals.

According to reports on social media, the residents, who live in close proximity to the Pilanesburg Nature Reserve, are living in fear as sightings of leopards roaming their streets have become increasingly frequent over the past few weeks.

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The presence of the leopards has left the residents on edge, particularly due to reports of the big cats preying on local livestock. The safety of both residents and their animals is threatened by these dangerous predators.

Concerns

Multiple residents have reported seeing the big cats. Many have taken to social media to express their unease about the situation.

Despite contacting the relevant authorities, including the nearby nature reserve, they claim no action has been taken thus far.

The villagers are now appealing to the authorities for immediate assistance, emphasising the urgency of the situation. Their primary concern is the safety and well-being of their community, as well as the preservation of their livelihoods.

Tigers

In January this year, Sheba, an eight-year-old female tigress, was reported to have escaped from a private farm in the Walkerville region south of Johannesburg. During her escape, the big cat was said to have attacked a man, two dogs and a pig.

ALSO READ: WATCH: Sheba the tiger close to being captured

The tigress was eventually found days later and was killed.

Meanwhile, later that same month, another tiger was spotted in Edenvale in the East Rand. The young tiger escaped from its owner’s home, which was based in the same area.

Following the emergence of CCTV footage capturing the wild animal, authorities swiftly issued a warning to residents to remain vigilant and ensure the safety of their domestic animals by keeping them indoors.

Security companies later claimed that the tiger was immediately recaptured and returned to a sanctuary safely.