SOUTH AFRICA: Authorities raise alarm over 5 roaming lions

There is palpable fear in the west of South Africa’s commercial capital of Johannesburg as an alarm has been raised after five lions were let loose with authorities claiming they do not know where the animals came from as there are no predator reserves nearby.

Late on Friday, reports say police officers received a call from a farm where the lions had attacked livestock.

“They investigated and were surprised to see a pride of five lions on the farm, busy feeding on a cow. They were able to identity a large male and four smaller lions,” a statement said.

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There have been a spate of such incidents this year in South Africa, which unlike most African countries keeps large, dangerous wildlife in enclosed reserves to prevent conflict with people and livestock.

It is unusual, however, for lions to roam so near a city. The area where the animals have been sighted near the town of Fochville is a patchwork of cattle farms, open countryside, crowded squatter camps and gold mining communities.

 

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