LIMPOPO – Limpopo MEC for Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (Ledet) Matibe Tshitereke has applauded the successful capture and relocation of a male lion from Letaba Ranch.

The ranch is situated between Mbaula Village in Giyani and north of Phalaborwa, adjacent to the Northern Kruger National Park.

The operation, carried out in partnership with the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) and SANParks, comes after the lion killed livestock in the Giyani–Phalaborwa boundary area. This rapid intervention has not only safeguarded the well-being of nearby community members but also ensured the lion’s continued survival in a protected environment.

“This success demonstrates the importance of collaboration between government, conservation agencies, and the private sector,” said Tshitereke.

“Our rangers and partners worked tirelessly to secure both our communities and our wildlife heritage. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to every individual and organisation who played a role in this delicate and urgent operation.”

He further appealed to communities living near nature reserves and park boundaries to avoid tampering with or cutting fences to access wood or other resources.

“Respecting these boundaries is essential for your own safety, the protection of livestock, and the well-being of our wildlife,” he said.

There are reports of two other lions currently roaming in Mtimkulu Nature Reserve outside Giyani. Ledet says plans are underway, in collaboration with the EWT and SANParks, to capture and relocate them safely.

These lions are not on communal lands and therefore have not caused damage to livestock. However the capture does not solve the local community’s problems, because this has been an ongoing issue for years, lions cross the fence of the KNP into the Mbaula area and kill livestock.

A Mbaula resident who wanted to remain anonymous told Herald that the issue of animals who escape from the KNP, terrorising communities and livestock, and also livestock crossing into the KNP, will not be solved soon.

“There is no fence between KNP and these communities. Another issue is that poachers come in and remove the fence when they go to poach. On the other hand there are disagreements between the local traditional affairs, which makes it difficult for Ledet to erect a new fence,” he said.

The resident said, for now, they are happy the lion has been captured, but they fear this will happen again.

The MEC reaffirmed government’s commitment to balance community safety with conservation priorities.

“Our province’s strength lies in our ability to protect lives, livelihoods, and the biodiversity that makes Limpopo a global treasure. This relocation is proof that when we work together, we can achieve both.”

At the time of going to print, the other lions were not yet captured.