A lion was seen roaming along the R66 between Nongoma and Pongola in KwaZulu-Natal on Sunday evening, 7 June 2026, after being captured on video walking calmly along the roadway before disappearing into the darkness.
In footage supplied by Road Angels South Africa, the lion is seen moving steadily along the tarmac, maintaining a composed gait as it passes through an illuminated stretch of road before fading beyond the reach of passing headlights.
Commenting on the incident, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife spokesperson Musa Mntambo stated:
“Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife is aware of a lion spotted roaming on the R66, when you drive from Nongoma to Pongola, before you turn left to Vryheid. We can confirm that the sighting was real. However, it is not from any of Ezemvelo’s protected areas. We suspect the lion escaped from a private game reserve.”
Following the sighting, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife urged members of the public to remain vigilant, stressing that any sightings of wild animals should be reported immediately to the nearest police station.
The public has also been cautioned not to approach the animal under any circumstances, given the serious risks posed by a large predator moving through an open environment.
At this stage, the lion’s exact whereabouts have not been confirmed, while authorities continue working to establish where it came from and how it reached the public roadway.
You’ve just got to see it to believe it. Click here
Although the animal appeared calm in the footage, its presence on a busy transport corridor has raised understandable concern, particularly as officials continue relying on further public reports to help determine its movements and current location.
Have you seen the lion on the R66? Let us know below.
Jointly, do not forget to read the follow-up article to this: Escaped Lion Destroyed After Failed Darting Attempts In KZN
