Reports of lions outside protected areas have surfaced periodically across northern KwaZulu-Natal. However, allegations now emerging from the Gluckstadt area near Vryheid have raised serious concerns about whether lions are being deliberately targeted, poisoned and exploited for their body parts.
This follows claims by Member of the Provincial Legislature Hannah Lidgett, who serves as the Democratic Alliance’s (DA) KwaZulu-Natal spokesperson on Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA).
According to Lidgett, the DA in the province has received reports that two lions were allegedly poisoned in the Gluckstadt area, with parts of one animal reportedly sold within the local community.
In light of these claims, Lidgett confirmed that the DA has submitted a formal written parliamentary question to the KwaZulu-Natal EDTEA in an effort to establish the facts surrounding the incident.
She indicated that the party is seeking clarity not only on the alleged poisoning, but also on the broader circumstances under which the animals were found in the area.
Elaborating on the matter, Lidgett said;
“The DA was alerted to the matter by Lion Exposé, which reported suspected Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife (EKZNW) intervention following reports that lion body parts were being sold. The status of the other lion remains unconfirmed although poisoning is suspected.”
At the same time, she cautioned that the situation is further complicated by uncertainty regarding the origin of the lions and the conditions under which they came to be in the vicinity.
Consequently, this raises broader questions around wildlife monitoring and management within the region.
Against this backdrop, she stated;
“There are private game reserves in the broader region. This is also not the first time lions have reportedly been found roaming near Gluckstadt. In a previous incident, lions believed to have escaped from an unknown location, were found roaming the area. To date, as far as the DA is aware, the origin of those animals has never been publicly established.”
Given this context, Lidgett explained that the DA is concerned the latest allegations may point to a wider, systemic issue.
Should the claims be substantiated, she stressed that authorities must determine where the lions originated, how they came to be outside a protected environment, the circumstances surrounding their deaths, and whether any criminal activity occurred involving their remains.
“The DA’s parliamentary questions seek clarity from EDTEA on the incident, EKZNW involvement, the origin and ownership of the lions, confirmation on the alleged poisoning, whether lion parts were recovered and whether any criminal investigation is underway. Residents have a right to know whether authorities are properly monitoring wildlife in their communities, whether potential risks are being addressed and whether those responsible for any illegal activity will be held accountable,” Lidgett emphasised further.
In conclusion, Lidgett said the DA remains committed to pursuing answers and will continue to utilise its oversight role within KwaZulu-Natal’s Government of Provincial Unity (GPU) to ensure that wildlife is adequately protected and that any unlawful conduct is addressed.
To view the parliamentary question submitted to the KwaZulu-Natal EDTEA by Lidgett, click here.
This remains a developing story, with Newcastillian News having submitted formal media enquiries to the KwaZulu-Natal EDTEA, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife and Lion Exposé to obtain further clarity on the allegations.
Meanwhile, it is worth noting that, as previously reported by Newcastillian News in January 2025, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife confirmed it had dispatched two teams to the Gluckstadt area, which falls under the AbaQulusi Municipality, following verified reports of livestock being killed by wild animals believed to be lions.
More recently, as reported by Newcastillian News on 8 June 2026, a lion was observed walking along the R66 between Nongoma and Pongola.
Furthermore, the animal was later destroyed by Ezemvelo, which stated that it had been forced to put the lion down after an attempt to dart it proved unsuccessful.
These previous incidents add further significance to the questions now being raised around Gluckstadt, particularly regarding the origin of lions appearing outside protected areas, the mechanisms used to monitor such animals, and the response when they enter surrounding communities.
For now, however, the circumstances surrounding the two lions referred to in Lidgett’s parliamentary question remain allegations pending confirmation from the relevant authorities.
Newcastillian News will update this story once responses are received.
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