The Newcastle SPCA has launched an investigation following reports of a lion sighting in the Ingogo area outside Newcastle.
The alarm was raised after a video surfaced on social media showing a male lion walking along railway tracks, sparking widespread concern among residents.
Looking into the matter
Inspector Genevieve Sinclair confirmed that the SPCA is actively looking into the matter to determine whether a lion is indeed roaming freely in the area.
“We are investigating the situation and are currently working to confirm the presence of the lion. A team is being assembled to track and safely contain the animal if it is located,” Sinclair said.
She added that a professional tracker is expected to be on the ground by Thursday morning, and a veterinarian is on standby to assist in the safe capture and relocation of the animal, should that be necessary.
In a statement posted on their official Facebook page, the Newcastle SPCA urged the public to remain calm and refrain from approaching the animal if it is spotted.
Residents who do encounter the lion are asked to share their live location via WhatsApp to the SPCA’s emergency line at 072 337 0347.
The SPCA has also called on the public to report any individuals seen attempting to harm the lion, providing details and exact location of such incidents.
Officials have not yet confirmed the origin of the animal, nor whether it escaped from a private facility or reserve.
The situation remains under investigation, and the SPCA is urging the public to cooperate fully with authorities to ensure both human and animal safety.
URGENT UPDATE
Newcastle SPCA updated their Facebook page with a post suggesting the sighting of the lion on the loose was fake, but that the case would still be investigated.
‘We have received a call stating that the story about the lion is fake.
‘Please note that all cases reported to the SPCA are taken very seriously, we have followed the correct procedure and KZN WILDLIFE have been informed and this case will be investigated for the sake of this animal and the humans by KZN WILDLIFE.
‘Should it end up being a fake report the necessary procedure will then be followed.
‘Alot of time, effort and resources go into a call like this from all involved.
‘But what if it is true and this poor animal is unnecessarily harmed or someone is killed and authorities did not do anything.
‘Please do continue to be safe and keep an eye out for this animal and report any sightings immediately.
Have you ever spotted a wild animal on the loose?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1
Subscribe to The South African website’s newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
