It has been more than three days and the vagrant male lion has still not been tracked down.
The spokesperson for Mpumalanga Tourism Parks Agency, Simphiwe Shingube, said there is still no further sign of the lion and rangers are still searching for it.
The lion was first spotted in the Hermansburg area near the R40 on Sunday, October 27, and has since been seen gallivanting in the Glenwood and Hilltop areas before turning up near The Rest Estate on October 30 at about 02:00.
“We are calling on members of the public – if they see the lion, they must not try to catch it themselves, instead, they need to contact the authorities. The public is advised to remain calm, be vigilant and alert the authorities if they see it, or contact Louw Steyn on 083 626 6792,” Shungube said.
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UPDATE: Lion on the loose spotted at The Rest Mbombela
October 30
There has been a confirmed sighting of a lion that has been on the loose for three days around at The Rest Mbombela at 01:38 this morning, October 30.
It was seen on the estate’s CCTV cameras, and it was determined the lion is around The Rest along the R40 between Mbombela and Barberton around entrance number 3.
@lowvelder There has been a confirmed sighting of a lion that has been on the loose for three days around at The Rest Mbombela at 01:38 this morning, October 30. It was seen on the estate’s CCTV cameras, and it was determined the lion is around The Rest along the R40 between Mbombela and Barberton around entrance number 3. We ask that the 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 Rest be extremely vigilant and report any sightings as soon as possible. All residents are strongly advised not to roam around outside after dark or in the early hours of the morning. Members of the public are urged not to post sightings on any social media groups for safety reasons. > Video: Supplied. #lion #lionspotted #mbombela #mbombelatiktok
WATCH: The lion caught on The Rest Mbombela’s CCTV cameras.
We ask that the 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 Rest be extremely vigilant and report any sightings as soon as possible.
ALSO READ: UPDATE: Lions spotted between Mbombela and Barberton still not found
All residents are strongly advised not to roam around outside after dark or in the early hours of the morning.
Members of the public are urged not to post sightings on any social media groups for safety reasons.
If you spot the lions, phone any of the following numbers at any time:
* Jean: 064 880 8716
* Chris Hobkirk: 082 372 3350
* Gerrie Camacho: 082 353 9097
* Ertjies Rohm: 083 626 6309.
When calling try to provide the following information:
1. The time and date of the sighting.
2. A pin location of the sighting.
3. The total number of big cats and whether they are male or female.
4. In which direction they are moving or if they are stationary.
5. Are they relaxed or agitated?
6. Possible photos.
7. Contact number of the person who spotted them.
UPDATE: Lions spotted between Mbombela and Barberton still not found 22:00
There have been confirmed sightings of a lion or lions on the R40 between Mbombela and Barberton near the Hermansburg area early in the evening of October 28.
Fresh lion tracks were found this morning, October 29, at the Glenwood area entrance.
A community member, who owns a fixed-wing airplane, flew it over the areas where the tracks had been found and where the animals had been sighted, but was unable to locate the lion/lions.
The Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency also had a drone up in the air to search for the big cats and tried to follow their tracks the whole day, but also failed to locate them due to the thick vegetation and difficult terrain.
In a joint statement from local security companies and the CPF, they 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 around outside after dark. Parents are also 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, with your backs to a wall and keep the lights on.”
The statement also appealed to residents to not post sightings on any social media groups for safety reasons.
If you spot the lions, phone any of the following numbers at any time:
* Jean: 064 880 8716
* Chris Hobkirk: 082 372 3350
* Gerrie Camacho: 082 353 9097
* Ertjies Rohm: 083 626 6309.
When calling try to provide the following information:
1. The time and date of the sighting.
2. A pin location of the sighting.
3. The total number of big cats and whether they are male or female.
4. In which direction they are moving or if they are stationary.
5. Are they relaxed or agitated?
6. Possible photos.
7. Contact number of the person who spotted them.
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Headline: Lion spoor found on R40 between Mbombela and Barberton
October 29 – 11:06
The Mpumalanga Tourism Parks Agency rangers are still trying to locate the lion, but urge the community to be careful.
It has been confirmed that lion spoor was spotted between Mbombela and Barberton, near Hermansburg on the R40.
Its tracks were seen on Monday, October 28. The Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency’s rangers are currently trying to locate it.
According to a joint statement from local security companies and the CPF, residents, especially those living in the Glenwood area, entrance 12; Hermansburg area, entrance 20; and the Hilltop area, entrance 28, are warned to be extremely vigilant as the lion could be anywhere.
ALSO READ: Seven lions returned to Kruger National Park, two cubs die
Parents are urged not to allow children to roam around or play outside unsupervised. “Everybody needs to be extremely cautious. Joggers, hikers, cyclists and workers travelling on foot are warned to be extra careful, especially 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 advised.
ALSO READ: K9 dog killed by crocodile in Kruger National Park
Members of the public are urged not to post sightings on any social media groups for safety reasons.
If you spot the lions, phone any of the following numbers at any time:
• Jean: 064 8808 716
• Chris Hobkirk: 082 372 3350
• Gerrie Camacho: 082 353 9097
• Ertjies Rohm: 083 626 6309.
@Lowvelder
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