Lion on the loose in Midvaal! Residents warned to stay alert as search intensifies
Residents in De Deur, Savanna City, Timalibone and surrounding communities are being urged to exercise extreme caution following reports of a lion roaming freely in the area.
Walkerville & Savanna City Times has confirmed the reported presence of the lion with Midvaal Local Municipality and local conservationist Ivan Parkes.
According to information received, the animal was reportedly spotted on Thursday morning, 15 October, in the Timalibone, De Deur and Savanna City areas.
Parkes described the lion as vicious and issued an urgent warning to residents not to approach the animal under any circumstances.
Residents are strongly advised to remain vigilant, keep children and pets safely indoors where possible and avoid unnecessary movement through open fields, bushy areas and isolated locations until the situation has been brought under control.
PUBLIC SAFETY WARNING: WHAT RESIDENTS MUST DO
- DO NOT approach the lion, even if it appears calm or injured.
- Keep children indoors and ensure they do not play unattended in open spaces.
- Secure domestic animals and livestock in safe enclosures.
- Avoid walking through open fields, bushy areas or isolated roads, particularly alone.
- Do not attempt to photograph, chase, corner or capture the animal.
- If you spot the lion, retreat to a secure building or vehicle if safe to do so, and immediately alert emergency services.
- Do not gather at reported sighting locations, as this could endanger residents and interfere with the search operation
Residents who spot the animal or have credible information about its whereabouts are urged to contact:
SAPS Emergency Line: 08600 10111
Midvaal Local Municipality Emergency Services: 016 360 7500 / 016 340 5911
Midvaal Municipal Call Centre: 087 106 2471
Residents should provide the exact location, time and direction in which the animal was moving, without putting themselves at risk.
At the time of publication, the search was ongoing, and no confirmed information had been provided to this publication indicating that the lion had been located or secured.
Walkerville & Savanna City Times will continue following developments and provide verified updates as further information becomes available.
