Is there a lion prancing around Northern KwaZulu-Natal?

Male lion spotted in Kingsley area, near Dundee turn-off

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

Claims came in alleging that a lion was spotted in Msinga near Dundee, Northern KwaZulu-Natal—an area primarily located in the deep gorges of the Tugela and Buffalo Rivers.

While authorities have yet to confirm the presence of a lion in the area, one resident claims to have seen the animal while walking through the bush. The lion allegedly emerged from the bush, took a step towards her, and roared. The resident claims she fled the scene at this point.

Another resident claims she heard a lion roar while collecting wood in the bush.

Now, as residents live in fear of the apex predator, Ward Councillor Phelelani Dladla has urged residents to remain vigilant. He does, however, state that he is still sceptical that the animal is a lion.

“The supposed lion was seen about two weeks ago. But what has me asking questions about its existence, is that it has not destroyed or hurt anything or anyone. Surely if there was a lion, it would have attacked the woman who said she saw it.”

Furthermore, he emphasised that Msinga is not known for its lion population. According to him, this means that the alleged lion had to come from somewhere. This means that it would have been seen by a greater number of people if it was cruising around.

“Lions don’t fly, and it had to come from somewhere, so I do have my doubts. I have also requested the Department of Environmental Affairs to question the eyewitness, which they did, and they say her answers have come back positive.”

Furthermore, Cllr Dladla has spoken with Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife and the local police, who have conducted searches, yet came up empty.

He explains that the rumours about the lion roaming the area have been going on for months, with no factual evidence or additional witnesses to back up the two women’s claims.

Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife has dispatched teams to investigate the matter, but no evidence has been found. Therefore, either this is the most elusive lion, or it is not real.

With further investigations into the matter underway, pending other evidence, this is the second supposed lion sighting in NKZN in a span of a year.

The most recent lion sighting occurred in May 2021, when two lions were spotted in the Vryheid area. The pair came to public attention after the Vryheid SPCA was contacted to investigate an incident in which the carnivorous duo attacked livestock.

Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife was also contacted about the matter, with Musa Mntambo, Communications Manager of Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, stating that the organisation was aware of the wandering lions but was unsure where they came from.

To read the full article, click here.

As there is a certain degree of uncertainty about Msinga’s lion, what are your thoughts on this? If not a lion, what animal do you think it could be?

Share your views in the comment section below.

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