A 42-year-old man narrowly escaped death after being attacked by a lioness that had killed and started feeding on one of his cattle in Mdlankomo Trust on Friday night.

The incident comes as the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) prepares to implement a fencing project aimed at preventing wild animals from straying from the Kruger National Park (KNP) into nearby residential communities.

The survivor, Muzi Mthombothi, said he was attacked after going outside to investigate strange noises coming from his kraal.

“Upon checking the kraal, I found a dead calf and a lioness preparing to feed on it. When I disturbed her, she charged at me. I just stood there because I was so shocked. She grabbed my ankles and I fell into a ditch next to the kraal, which probably saved my life,” he said.

“I screamed for help, but people were too scared to assist because the animal was still nearby.”

Mthombothi said a neighbour eventually came to his rescue after realising that one of his ankles was broken, leaving him unable to walk.

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By that time, the lioness had returned to feeding on the calf.

“I was rushed to Themba Hospital for medical treatment, and doctors confirmed that my ankle was broken,” he said, adding that community members later searched for the big cat and subsequently killed it.

“I still cannot believe that I survived. If the lioness had also fallen into the ditch, she would have killed me because everyone else was too scared to help.”

Mthombothi added that residents suspected the lioness was not alone in the area, as several people reportedly discovered multiple tracks nearby.

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However, MTPA spokesperson Simphiwe Shungube said only one lioness had been sighted in the Mdlankomo area and confirmed it had since been removed after being killed.

“We would like to wish Mthombothi a speedy recovery following the attack. We are grateful that he survived,” said Shungube.

The MTPA recently held a community meeting at the Spelanyane Community Hall, which was convened by the KNP and the civic organisation People and Parks.

The purpose of the meeting was to introduce a fencing project for communities bordering the park and the Mthethomusha Nature Reserve.

“The project aims to address the ongoing human-wildlife conflict affecting communities near the two protected areas. At least R37 million has been allocated to the project, which is expected to start by the end of May,” said Shungube. “High-quality fencing will be erected, not only to help prevent human-wildlife conflict, but also to curb illegal poaching activities.”

He added that a main contractor and local subcontractors would soon be appointed.

Employment opportunities are also expected to be created for local community members during the construction phase.

The project, which received widespread support from residents, traditional leaders and business forums, is expected to be completed within 12 months.

In the meantime, residents have been urged not to approach wild animals, especially lions, should they enter residential areas. Instead, community members should immediately contact MTPA officials so that trained professionals can respond.