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Residents around Kruger National Park fear stray Leopard

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Residents of Matsulu, outside Mbombela, are living in fear after a leopard escaped from the Kruger National Park.

The residents who live about two metres away from the Kruger National Park fence say the leopard is roaming the streets at night. Some have claimed to have seen it.

The community has called for the park to increase their efforts in search of the leopard. They also want the park to install an electric fence.

It is not for the first time that  a wild animal escaped from the park.

Last week, three elephants wreaked havoc in Matsulu and were killed by the residents.

Residents say park officials are not doing anything to make sure that the community is safe from the animals.

“We do not feel safe, we wish the park could come and collect its animal. I lost my dog to the leopard. If it could get out from the Kruger National Park fence they can get into our burglar gates. Now that it has done this to our dogs then it’s coming for us,” said one resident.

“We are not safe at all. A night ago we had to run for our lives after we saw this big cat here on our street. Could the park please come and secure its animal,”added another concerned resident.

The Kruger National Park has urged anyone who sees the animal to call relevant authorities.

“We were called by some residents in Matsulu about a possible leopard escape. We subsequently sent rangers to check the place out and so far there isn’t anything. We call on residents to call the Kruger National Park or MTPA should the leopard surface again,” said the park’s William Mabaso.

Until an electric fence has been installed and the leopard is back in the park, Matsulu C residents will continue to live in fear.

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