Lion reportedly on the loose in Ulundi

ONE week after two boys thought they saw a lion near eShowe, reports of one being seen in Nkonjeni near Ulundi have now surfaced.

Confirming the latest report with the ZO, Ulundi SAPS Communications Officer, Captain Nkosi Gwala, said community members should be on the alert and try to remain indoors until police can gather more information on the animal’s whereabouts.

Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife spokesperson Musa Mntambo on Tuesday confirmed having received reports of the sighting and said that four cows have, to date, been killed in the area.

‘Three cows were killed in the Mlaba area, under Nkosi Mlaba, while another was killed in the Biyela area, under Nkosi Zulu,’ said Mntambo.

‘In the event that anyone sees the lion, they are to contact Inkosi Zulu (Biyela area) on 078 0247070, Induna

uNgubane (Mlaba area) on 082 0579905 or Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife’s Benjamin Myeni on 072 4300390.’

This sighting follows hot on the heels of reports of two boys who saw a lion near eShowe.

Officials interviewed the boys and concurred that they may well have seen a lion, but it could also have been a caracal.

While the two animals are similar in colour, they are very different in size.

At the time the boys said they heard a goat bleating, as if in distress.

Last month eight lions from Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park (HiP) were successfully recaptured after escaping and killing three cows.

Three lionesses and five cubs had escaped from HiP before being spotted in the Hlabisa area and recaptured.

ALSO READ: WARNING: Lion on the loose in Nkonjeni

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