A photograph allegedly showing a leopard in Mkhamba Gardens has been circulating on several WhatsApp groups, sparking widespread panic and concern among residents.

However, a closer look at the photograph has revealed that the image is 100% fake and was generated most likely using artificial intelligence (AI).

The photograph began circulating today (October 12), showing a leopard running through a yard in Mkhamba Gardens.

This comes just weeks after a leopard was genuinely spotted in the Ladysmith area, with the Ladysmith Gazette reporting on the sighting at the time. While that report was factual, the latest image appears to have blurred the line between a real wildlife encounter and digitally manufactured content.

Three legs raise a red flag

Examining the photograph, something immediately stood out: the leopard appeared to have only three legs! While unusual wildlife injuries are possible, this strange detail was a warning sign that the image might not be what it appeared to be.

Google lens uncovers a crucial clue

A simple Google Lens search revealed the actual house photograph used in the fake image. Simply adding a leopard to the photograph and hey presto, you had Ladysmith running scared.

It is becoming harder and harder to tell fake images from the Real McCoy and that is why you need credible news sources like the Northern Natal News.

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