LEOPARD, HIPPOS TROUBLING NORTHERN HHOHHO

PIGG’S PEAK – A leopard is scary enough on a photograph, now imagine seeing it live.

In the small community of Luhlangotsini in the northern part of the country, fear has taken hold as reports of a leopard sighting have circulated for the past three weeks. Residents, including some community police members, have expressed growing concern over the presence of the elusive wild animal, which is said to be roaming freely in the area.

Faced with the leopard’s presence, the community held a meeting about a week ago to address the situation and discuss measures to protect themselves. The gathering aimed to find ways to safely coexist with the leopard and ensure the safety of the community members.

Leopards, often mistaken for cheetahs due to their similar appearance, are one of the locally known big cats. Like most wild animals, they are territorial, but unlike lions, they lead solitary lives. Confirming the concerns raised by the community, Mfanuzile Hlophe, the bucopho for Luhlangotsini, acknowledged that a leopard had indeed been spotted in the area.

Local authorities have received reports from residents who have encountered the leopard or witnessed its presence. Hlophe also mentioned that some community members, who commonly sell wild vegetables and fruits, have been hesitant to venture into the forested areas due to the lurking danger.

Furthermore, residents who rely on hiking for transportation to nearby towns, such as Mbabane or Pigg’s Peak, are now apprehensive about travelling during the early morning or evening hours. They fear that the leopard may strike at any moment, leaving them vulnerable to a potential attack.

The elderly woman, who resides in the vicinity of Luhlangotsini, shared her own experience, revealing that her son was one of the residents who had encountered the leopard. She expressed deep concern for her schoolgoing grandchildren who had to walk through the area during the early morning hours. The fear of the leopard’s presence has made their daily journey to school a terrifying experience.

With the community on edge and residents fearing for their safety, local authorities are now faced with the challenge of addressing this wildlife intrusion.Efforts are being made to ensure the safety of the community members and find a suitable solution to peacefully coexist with the leopard. As the Luhlangotsini community remains on high alert, the community’s hope is that appropriate measures will be taken to mitigate any potential risks and restore a sense of security to the area.

It could not be immediately ascertained if they reported to the police but Assistant Superintendent Nosipho Mnguni, the Deputy Police Information and Communication Officer, advised people to report any element prone to disturbing peace to the nearest police station. In this case, Mnguni said they should have reported to the police. The nearest police station for Luhlangotsini is in Pigg’s Peak.

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