Hunters in pursuit of lions on the loose near Vryheid

(Scroll to the bottom for updates to this story)

Hunters are in pursuit of two lions that were spotted in the vicinity of Hennie’s Garage in Gluckstad, just outside Vryheid, this morning.

Captain Nkosie Gwala, the SAPS communications officer for the Zululand Cluster, said the lions were seen crossing the road at about 5am by a truck driver, who immediately reported the sighting to the Vryheid SAPS to warn the public to be cautious.

“The matter is being dealt with by professional hunters with the correct permits,” said Capt Gwala. “Members of the community should please contact the SAPS on 034 989 5506 if they see the lions.”

ALSO READ: Pride of Lions Block Entrance to Tourist’s Toilet

Mundus van Niekerk, of the Gluckstad farming community, is among those who are searching for the lions. At about 9.30am, Mr Van Niekerk informed the Vryheid Herald that the hunters had come across spoor that looked like that of a lion, and they were hopeful of finding the lions soon.

A Gluckstad farmer who asked not to be named said the lions may have escaped from a nearby game reserve and have been wandering in the area for nearly two months.

ALSO READ: Lions devouring three rhino poachers in SA make headlines overseas

“The hunters in the area obtained the correct permits to shoot the lions after stories emerged that the lions were attacking and killing cattle on the farms,” he said.

UPDATE: Stray lions leave terror and partially devoured carcasses in their wake

UPDATE: Farmers ready to assist with relocation of stray lions spotted near Vryheid