VEREENIGING. – Community members are urged to refrain from sharing unverified reports on the lion that was reportedly on the lose in the Vereeniging area this week.

The lion has been located.

It is said that on Tuesday, October 13, at approximately 04:00, SAPS Vereeniging were alerted by a SAPS K9 member to a social media post regarding a lion reportedly roaming freely in a remote area.

The Vereeniging police, together with the K9 Unit and relevant role-players, including private security drone operators, then mobilised resources to locate the animal.

Police spokesperson, Sergeant Shaan Motsapi, told Sedibeng Ster that the lion has since been located, and arrangements have been finalised by the relevant professionals to safely relocate it to a secure environment.

The ownership of the animal remains unknown, and investigations are ongoing to establish its origin.

Meanwhile, Motsapi said that police are concerned about the circulation of false and unverified information on social media that has caused unnecessary panic.

“Community members are urged to refrain from sharing unverified reports and to rely on official communication. Residents of Sedibeng and surrounding areas are urged to remain calm and allow the authorities and wildlife experts to conclude the operation safely.”