Ezemvelo clarifies lion killing

Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife explains decision to euthanise a lion spotted roaming the R66 between Nongoma and Pongola

June 11, 2026

Tamlyn Cramer 2 minutes read

The male lion was seen on the R66 at the turn-off to Vryheid on Sunday night, 7 June Photo: Stembiso Gazu/Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife/Facebook

After news broke last week of a lion on the loose near Pongola, and its subsequent euthanasia, speculation was rife as to the necessity of the killing.

Initial reports of a male lion roaming the R66 between Nongoma and Pongola came through on Sunday evening, 7 June.

ALSO READ: Escaped Zululand lion killed

Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife on Monday urged anyone who sees the lion, to report it to the nearest police station.

Wednesday’s announcement by Ezemvelo that the lion had been euthanised on Tuesday night, however, raised many questions among conservationists.

Speaking to the ZO on Wednesday afternoon, Ezemvelo spokesperson Musa Mntambo clarified the matter.

“From Sunday, when we became aware of its escape, we tried to dart it using the services of a vet, but it was elusive and hiding next to Mpilo Game Reserve,” he explained.

“When darting failed, we employed the services of a professional hunter who destroyed it.

“Ezemvelo is the only institution legally permitted to issue destruction permits, and all private game reserves apply for such permits from us.”

ALSO READ: KZN conservation authority confirms lion escape in Zululand region

Explaining the darting failure scenario in which they found themselves with this particular lion, Mntambo said darting is carried out by a vet, which can become incredibly costly.

“It would be very expensive to keep a vet in the bush for two or three days as we searched for the lion,” he explained.

“In most cases, vets also use helicopters, while professional hunters use 4x4s and can hunt the lion for the whole day without incurring exorbitant expenses.

“Another important point is that once an animal is outside the reserve, the environment is against the vet; if he attempts to dart and misses, the animal becomes a threat to the larger community nearby as in most cases he does not get a second chance to dart.”

From the outset of the lion’s escape, Ezemvelo had confirmed that it was not one of theirs, but believed it to have escaped from Mkhuze Falls Private Game Reserve.

When questioned if the onus should in fact be on the rightful owners of the lion – the reserve from which it escaped – to foot the capture bill, Mntambo said Mkhuze Falls Private Game Reserve later denied ownership after counting their lions.

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