Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife has called for caution among residents of Ocilwane in KwaMthethwa after a lion is reported to have killed two cows on Monday.

According to reports, the lion was first spotted in the area on Saturday evening and two cow carcasses were found in the nearby bushes.

Speaking to the Zululand Observer, Ezemvelo spokesperson Musa Mntambo confirmed that a lion had escaped from their Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park into the nearby community under the Mthethwa Tribal Authority.

Mntambo urged villagers to be vigilant when travelling in areas with water as the lion might be thirsty after feasting.

“Should they see it, community members must call the local iNduna uBaba Mthethwa as we are in constant communication with him,” said Mntambo.

“[Yesterday] there [were] no reports of it being seen. We will be doing a lion call-out should it be confirmed that it is not back in the park [today],” said Mntambo.

Local ward councillor Thula Ndimande added that the community is living in fear while Ezemvelo takes its time to call for the search using a helicopter.

“The helicopter flew for a few hours on Sunday without any success,” said Ndimande.