By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
24 September 2025- The Limpopo MEC for Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (LEDET), Tshitereke Matibe, has commended the dedicated efforts of rangers, the LEDET team, and private sector stakeholders following the successful swift capture and relocation of a male lion from Letaba Ranch north of Phalaborwa to the Northern Kruger National Park.
Matibe said the operation carried out in partnership with the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) and SANParks, comes after incidents in which the lion killed livestock in the Giyani–Phalaborwa boundary area on 16 and 21 September 2025. He said this rapid intervention has not only safeguarded the wellbeing of nearby community members, but also ensured the lion’s continued survival in a protected environment.
“This success demonstrates the importance of collaboration between government, conservation agencies, and the private sector. Our rangers and partners worked tirelessly to secure both our communities and our wildlife heritage.
“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to every individual and organisation that played a role in this delicate and urgent operation. We further appeal to communities living near nature reserves and park boundaries to avoid tampering with or cutting fences to access wood or other resources,” said Matibe.
He further said respecting these boundaries is essential for their own safety, the protection of livestock and the wellbeing of their wildlife. Matibe added that to this capture, there are reports of two other lions currently roaming in Mtimkulu Nature Reserve, outside Giyani.
“Plans are underway, in collaboration with the EWT and SANParks, to capture and relocate them safely to the Kruger National Park. Importantly, these lions are not in communal lands and therefore have not caused damage to livestock.
“We reaffirm the government’s commitment to balancing community safety with conservation priorities. Our province’s strength lies in our ability to protect lives, livelihoods and the biodiversity that makes Limpopo a global treasure,” he said.
Matibe said this relocation is proof that when they work together, they can achieve both.
The Guardian 