A male lion that escaped from Letaba Ranch near Phalaborwa has been captured and relocated to the Kruger National Park after it killed livestock in nearby communities.
The Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (LEDET) confirmed that the operation was carried out this week in partnership with SANParks, the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) and private sector stakeholders.
The lion was linked to two incidents of livestock killings on the Giyani–Phalaborwa boundary on September 16 and 21.
Limpopo MEC Tshitereke Matibe praised the swift response of rangers and conservation partners, saying the intervention protected both communities and wildlife.
“This success demonstrates the importance of collaboration between government, conservation agencies, and the private sector. Our rangers and partners worked tirelessly to secure both our communities and our wildlife heritage,” Matibe said.
He also urged residents living near park and reserve boundaries not to cut fences to gain access to wood or other resources, warning that doing so increases the risk of human-wildlife conflict.
Authorities said two more lions have been sighted in the Mtimkulu Nature Reserve outside Giyani. Plans are underway to capture and relocate them to the Kruger National Park. Unlike the first lion, these animals are not in communal land and have not attacked livestock.
More photos below.
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