Update: Lion STILL on the loose along R511

The lion that was spotted along the R511 near the Hennops Hiking Trail is still on the loose on Thursday.

Arthur Crewe of SRU Strategic Response Rescue Unit confirmed that the search for the lion continued on Thursday morning.

“We are following up on information received and have regrouped. We are trying to get a chopper to assist in the search for the lion.”

Crewe said the lion was first spotted around 02:00 on Wednesday morning by a security response officer on the R511 close to the Hennops Hiking Trail.

He furthermore said they had a second sighting later on Wednesday.

He added that all needed services were on the scene searching for the lion around midday on Wednesday.

“The relevant conservation departments have been informed. Although it was spotted on the Gauteng side of the border, lions roam far.”

Crewe advised the public in the vicinity to take precautionary steps by staying indoors with their children as well as pets.

“We really want to get this lion back safely. That is our number one goal.

“We are actively looking for the animal and ask residents not to shoot or approach the animal should they spot it. Contact us immediately if there are any sightings.”

Contact Arthur at SRU on 083 703 7399.

Meanwhile, three buffaloes are also on the loose in Kempton Park. The search for the buffalos is also still ongoing.

Two weeks ago, wild dogs escaped from the uBhetyan game farm in Mpumalanga after a game fence was cut. Owner Deon Cornelius confirmed on Monday that they are still missing.

ALSO READ: BREAKING NEWS: Lion on the loose along the R511 in Centurion

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