The lion that was terrorising communities near Letaba Ranch was captured and relocated to the Kruger National Park. Picture credit: LEDET
By Montsho Matlala
Giyani: Residents, including livestock owners around Letaba Ranch Nature Reserve adjacent to Giyani and Phalaborwa—have heaved a sigh of relief following the recapture of a roaming lion that had been terrorising communities for about a week.
The lion was successfully captured in a joint operation by government and private stakeholders, but not before attacking and killing livestock.
Cattle owner Jonas Mdluli of Dzinga-Dzinga said he discovered the remains of his cow in the veld on Tuesday.
“Part of the carcass was missing, and I could see bite wounds. My animal was killed and eaten by a lion. I immediately started fearing for my life, as the lion could have attacked me too. I don’t even own a firearm, so I rushed home,” said Mdluli.
According to Limpopo Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (LEDET) MEC Tshitereke Matibe, the male lion that caused panic in the community escaped from Letaba Ranch on Tuesday and was recaptured a few days later.
The successful capture was made possible by a joint operation involving rangers, LEDET, the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT), SANParks, and other private stakeholders.
“The joint team relocated the male lion to the northern Kruger National Park after it killed livestock in the Giyani-Phalaborwa boundary area. This success demonstrates the importance of collaboration between government, conservation agencies, and the private sector. Our rangers and partners work tirelessly to protect both our communities and our wildlife heritage,” said Matibe.
