Dangerous Moruleng leopards still not captured

The Director for Biodiversity Management and Conservation within the North West Department
Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism, Mr. Jonathan Denga, assures the public that the department is currently monitoring the situation after the concerns raised by communities, about leopards roaming in rural areas near the Pilanesberg Game Reserve.

“We are aware of the various and sporadic reports of the problem leopards causing a scare and
allegedly killing livestock in the vicinity of the Pilanesberg Game Reserve,” states Denga.
Approximately two (2) weeks ago, the department’s Biodiversity Management & Conservation
officials successfully captured a leopard that was confirmed to be responsible for the livestock
killings areas around Moruleng. The leopard was subsequently relocated to an area where it will
have minimal contact with livestock, ensuring the safety of both the animals and the local community.
According to Denga, Director Biodiversity Management, another complaint was received this week from the Dwarsberg area regarding a similar issue. In response, the department has promptly set
trap to capture the culprit animal, with the aim of addressing the situation effectively and ensuring
the well-being of the community and their livestock. We are also in constant communication with the North West Parks and Tourism Board and other relevant authorities.

“We understand the concerns and anxieties of the affected communities, and we want to reassure
them that we are taking these matters seriously. The department will continue to work closely with
relevant stakeholders, including the affected communities, to address any potential threats and
implement appropriate measures to prevent any incident that may pose danger to their lives”, said
Denga. However, it is important to emphasize for the public to note that leopards do occur naturally in many rural areas of the North West Province including the said geographical areas surrounding th Pilanesberg Game Reserve. And, whilst Game Reserve may become the most obvious suspect,
source circumstantial by its nature and its proximity, it’ll be difficult to pinpoint exactly that the alleged leopards may have escaped from the Pilanesberg Game Reserve as mentioned in some of the teports without evidence to back such claims.