- Parliamentary Inquiry Initiated: An official inquiry has been directed to Reverend Musa Zondi of EDTEA to examine Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife’s decision to kill one of three lions in Gluckstadt, Vryheid, sparking debate on conservation ethics.
- ·Details of the Lethal Encounter: The operation utilised specialised hunting dogs, as described by Musa Mntambo, where one lion was killed while two escaped, highlighting the complexities of wildlife management.
- Community Impact and Alternative Approaches: Sihle Mkhize, CEO of Ezemvelo, empathised with the local community’s losses, while Hannah Lidgett, a member of provincial legislature, criticised the lethal choice, advocating for alternatives like relocation, compensation for livestock losses through programs like Kenya’s Predator Compensation Fund, monitoring lions with trained warriors under the Lion Guardians Program, and using fortified livestock enclosures, known as Predator-Proof Bomas.
- Seeking Justification and Accountability: The inquiry aims to clarify the lions’ origins, justify the choice of lethal action over these non-lethal alternatives, and assess the extent to which other options were considered, as tracking for the remaining lions continues.
An official parliamentary inquiry has been directed to Reverend Musa Zondi, the MEC for Economic Development, Tourism, and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA), to clarify the controversial decision by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife to terminate one lion from a trio spotted in Gluckstadt, Vryheid.
This action has sparked a significant debate on wildlife management ethics and conservation practices.
This follows Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife recently announcing the demise of one lion from the group of three lions that had been under close watch since their initial sighting in January 2025. The operation concluded with the lion’s termination, facilitated by specialized hunting dogs.
At the time, Musa Mntambo, the Communications Manager for Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, explained that on Monday, 3 February 2025, a strategic team, amalgamating personnel from various government sectors and private entities, including expert dog handlers, successfully neutralised one of the three lions that had been lurking in the Gluckstadt wilderness.
Mntambo further detailed the tactical approach, stating, “As the dogs followed the trail, two lions suddenly appeared at a distance from where the armed team was stationed. During the chase, a third lion appeared nearby, and the dogs shifted their focus to it, allowing the professional hunters to destroy it. The remaining two lions escaped into nearby bushes, prompting the team to halt the search until the next sighting.”
Sihle Mkhize, CEO of Ezemvelo, acknowledged the support from non-governmental organisations and empathised with the local residents, saying, “I deeply feel for the community’s distress, their livelihoods are tied to their livestock. We will assess their losses soon. I urge cooperation with our officers and ask everyone to secure their livestock at night to prevent further incidents.”
Nevertheless, Hannah Lidgett, a Member of the Provincial Legislature and DA KZN spokesperson for EDTEA, argued that while the concerns of the local populace are valid, the decision to kill lions should only be made as a last resort. Consequently, the Democratic Alliance (DA) has posed several crucial questions to the MEC and his department:
- The origins of these lions and their presence in the area.
- The justification for choosing lethal action over relocation.
- The extent to which non-lethal alternatives were considered before the decision was made.
Moreover, Lidgett emphasised, “The DA calls on EDTEA to review successful lion relocation initiatives and other international strategies for managing human-wildlife conflicts. A notable example is the Predator Compensation Fund in Kenya’s Amboseli region, which has effectively reduced lion killings by compensating farmers for livestock losses, provided there are no retaliatory actions. This not only conserves lions but also promotes harmony with local communities.”
She further highlighted the Lion Guardians program in Kenya and Tanzania, where Maasai warriors are trained to monitor lion movements and deter livestock predation, significantly reducing the need for lethal control. Additionally, the use of Predator-Proof Bomas in Tanzania has been successful, fortifying livestock enclosures to protect against nocturnal predator attacks.
Lidgett stressed the need for a humane and sustainable approach to managing human-wildlife interactions, stating, “Conservation efforts must not be undermined by rash and irreversible actions.” With this viewpoint, she concluded, “The DA is committed to holding KZN’s EDTEA accountable and advocating for responsible wildlife management in our province.”
It should be pointed out, the pursuit of these lions began on 17 January 2025, after verified reports confirmed their involvement in the deaths of three cattle. At the time, Mntambo clarified the organisation’s stance, saying, “Despite the mystery of the lions’ origin, our policy was clear: upon locating them, they would be terminated.”
To delve deeper into this story, click here.
While the decision to employ lethal methods has stirred controversy since the organisation highlighted its decisions to kill the lions once found, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife has defended the action as necessary under the circumstances. As reported by Newcastillian News at the end of January 2025, Mntambo emphasised lessons from past experiences and expert advice, stating, “Lions have adapted, finding it easier to hunt outside protected areas. They could pose a considerable threat to human safety if they escape again.”
To explore further, click here.
With one lion eliminated and two still at large, the tracking operations by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife continue, and as a response from the EDTEA is still to be provided, what are your thoughts on this multifaceted issue?
Share your perspectives in the comment section below.
Comments 1
The lions are out because fencing was stolen. So the community only have themselves to blame.