A dramatic rescue unfolded on Wednesday, 24 September, as a male lion that had escaped from the Kruger National Park was finally captured at Letaba Ranch, just north of Phalaborwa.
The lion had been roaming freely—and dangerously—since between 16 and 21 September, attacking livestock and triggering panic among residents in both Phalaborwa and Giyani. Villagers said that although animal escapes from the park are not uncommon, most involve elephants rather than predators that pose a more lethal threat.
Residents voiced deep fears for their safety. Amos Maluleke (57) warned, “Our kids are always playing outside; we feared it would attack them.” Another local, 30-year-old Valentine Ngoveni, said he and his neighbours were relieved by the capture, after losing cattle and goats to the lion’s attacks.
Once secured, the lion was returned to the Northern Kruger National Park by a joint team including SANParks, the Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (LEDET), and the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT).
LEDET MEC Tshitereke Matibe used the moment to warn surrounding communities to remain vigilant. He confirmed that aside from this recapture, two other lions were still believed to be at large around the Mtimkulu Nature Reserve outside Giyani.
Matibe appealed to villagers to avoid tampering with or cutting fences around park boundaries, especially in attempts to collect wood or other resources. He urged people living near reserves to stay alert and report any sightings of the escaped animals.
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