MPUMALANGA – A leopard on the loose has sparked panic and fear among residents of Malahleka and Tjakastaad in the Gert Sibande District Municipality. The leopard reportedly escaped from the Nkomazi Game Reserve around May 6, 2024.
The Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) has issued a warning to community members in the vicinity to be cautious of the dangerous animal, which is part of South Africa’s Big 5.
In a statement, MTPA mentioned that its team from Songimvelo Nature Reserve was promptly dispatched upon receiving a complaint on Monday, May 6, 2024, regarding the escaped leopard, which had killed a goat. “A cage was set as a trap with bait for two consecutive days, unfortunately without success,” the statement read.
The agency has been on-site since Monday attempting to locate the leopard. “On Tuesday, the Nkomazi Game Reserve provided a helicopter which conducted a two-hour search of the area but was unable to locate the leopard.”
MTPA also stated that their team is currently continuing operations in the area where the leopard was last seen, collaborating with a specialized dog unit in the search for this extremely dangerous animal.
“The community is strongly advised not to attempt to capture the leopard on their own and to avoid walking in the mountains at night until the leopard is found, as it is likely still in hiding.”
If the leopard is spotted, community members are urged to immediately contact Ms. Nomcebo Kunene from MTPA on 072 661 6718.
