Lion still on the loose in Meyerton as drone search ends in crash
Despite reports that a lion roaming the Redan area in Meyerton had been located, the animal remains on the loose, with authorities unable to confirm its exact whereabouts.
A coordinated search involving the South African Police Service (SAPS), K9 officers, private security drone operators and other relevant authorities is continuing as concerns grow over the safety of residents in the Sedibeng region.
The lion was reportedly spotted in the Redan area on Wednesday evening, 14 October, during an aerial search using a drone. However, the operation suffered a setback when the drone’s battery reportedly ran flat, causing it to crash.
The incident is believed to have startled the animal, which moved away from its last known position before search teams could secure it.
Although Redan remains the focus of the search, the lion’s exact location is currently unknown. Crucially, there has been no confirmed capture, despite reports and speculation circulating on social media.
According to SAPS, Vereeniging police were alerted to the situation on Tuesday, 13 October 2026, at approximately 04:00, after a member of the K9 Unit became aware of a social media post reporting a lion roaming freely in a remote area.
“The ownership of the animal remains unknown, and investigations are ongoing to establish its origin,” police said.
Authorities have yet to establish where the lion came from or how it ended up roaming the area.
Police have also expressed concern about unverified claims spreading online, warning that misleading information is fuelling unnecessary fear.
“The police are concerned about the circulation of false and unverified information on social media that has caused unnecessary panic,” SAPS cautioned.
Residents have been urged to remain calm, avoid spreading unconfirmed sightings and rely on verified updates from authorities.
Anyone who encounters the lion should keep a safe distance, avoid approaching or attempting to capture it, and immediately alert the police.
The incident has revived memories of the dramatic search for Sheba, an eight-year-old female Bengal tiger that escaped from a private smallholding in Walkerville in January 2023.
Sheba’s escape triggered a major search involving police, wildlife specialists, community safety groups and animal welfare organisations.
During the ordeal, the tiger attacked a 39-year-old man and killed several domestic animals, raising serious concerns about public safety and the private ownership of dangerous wild animals.
After several days on the loose, Sheba was located and euthanised on 18 January 2023, after authorities determined that capturing her safely was no longer feasible.
The incident sparked widespread debate over the keeping of exotic predators in residential and agricultural areas.
Now, nearly four years later, another big cat roaming the wider Midvaal region has placed authorities and residents on alert.
Unlike the Walkerville incident, where the tiger’s owner was known, the origin and ownership of the Meyerton lion remain a mystery.
For now, the priority remains locating the lion and ensuring it can be captured and relocated without endangering residents or those involved in the operation.
Authorities have urged communities across Sedibeng and surrounding areas to exercise caution, particularly in remote and densely vegetated areas.
Until officials confirm otherwise, the lion must be regarded as still at large.
EDITOR’S NOTE | Clarification on earlier reporting
Walkerville & Savanna City Times acknowledges that its earlier report on the lion roaming the Midvaal area may have created the misleading impression that the animal’s location had been confirmed.
Our initial reporting was based on information made available by the South African Police Service (SAPS) at the time of publication.
We wish to clarify that, although the lion was reportedly located during a drone-assisted search, it was not captured and its current whereabouts remain unconfirmed.
We apologise for any confusion caused and remain committed to providing accurate, verified and responsible updates as this developing story unfolds.
