Lions on the loose in Mbombela: Drone, aeroplane track animals’ movements

NATIONAL NEWS - There has been a confirmed sighting of the lions at The Rest Mbombela at 01:38 this morning.

CCTV footage shows a lion roam around entrance three of the estate that is situated along the R40 between Mbombela and Barberton.

Residents along the R40 and in The Rest, as well as in the areas of TUT, behind Mediclinic and Johanna Drive from Dr Enos Mabuza Drive towards the estate, have been asked to be extremely vigilant and report any sightings as soon as possible.

08:23

There have been confirmed sightings of a lion or lions on the R40 between Mbombela and Barberton near the Hermansburg area early on Monday evening.

Yesterday morning, fresh lion tracks were found at the Glenwood area entrance.

A community member, who owns a fixed-wing airplane, flew over the areas where tracks had been found and where the animals had been sighted, but was unable to locate the lion(s).

The Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency also deployed a drone to search for the big cats and attempted to follow their tracks throughout the day, but was unable to locate them due to thick vegetation and difficult terrain.

In a joint statement, local security companies and the CPF caution residents along the R40 between Mbombela and Hilltop Pass to remain vigilant and report any sightings as soon as possible.

All residents are strongly advised not to roam outside after dark, and parents are urged not to allow children to play outside unsupervised.

“Residents should be extra careful at night, as lions are a bigger threat in the dark. If you are having a braai, sit with your backs to a wall and keep the lights on.”

The statement also appealed to residents not to post sightings on social media groups for safety reasons.

If you spot the lions, phone any of the following numbers at any time: