Two people who work in Skukuza in the Kruger National Park have been attacked by leopards less than a month apart, with the latest incident happening at the Shalati Concession on Sunday.

The first attack happened on June 26.

SANParks expressed its sympathy to the employee who was attacked by the cat on his way to work on Sunday.

“After fighting off the leopard and shouting for help, the animal disappeared into the surrounding bush. The injured worker was rushed to the doctor for treatment. He suffered deep lacerations and trauma, but the injuries are understood not to be life-threatening,” a statement by SANParks reads.

The park says an operation was launched by the Rangers Corps and the airwing to search the immediate vicinity for the animal.

“It was spotted 30m from where the incident took place and was duly destroyed. This is the second incident in which a worker has recently been attacked by a leopard in the Kruger.”

Head ranger Cathy Dreyer says, “Since the first incident every effort has been made to try and capture the leopard, but without success. Given the location of the incident, we suspect that the destroyed leopard is the same animal responsible for the first attack, but we can never be sure.

“Residents and employees must be extra vigilant and avoid walking alone at all times.”

The leopard has since been delivered to the state vets to undertake a post-mortem.

Jerry Mabena, CEO of Motsamayi Tourism Group, who owns Kruger Shalati and Kruger Station, says they were shocked by this tragic incident, but were relieved that their colleague survived the ordeal.

“We, with the management team at the concession, are committed to his recovery and will support the process in both physical and emotional well-being. This incident is a reminder to all that wild animals in their natural habitat act on nature’s rules.

“We remain respectful to our presence in their territory, while ensuring the safety of our staff as well as the conservation we are here to protect as concessionaires.

“We support the investigation by SANParks to determine the cause of this unusual behaviour by a leopard. We thank the medical support staff who acted quickly, and SANParks for their support in the incident. We wish our colleague a speedy recovery and look forward to his return to work once fully recovered.”