Residents of Redan, Meyerton and surrounding areas near Vereeniging have been urged to remain vigilant as the search continues for a lion reportedly roaming freely in the area.
The animal was reportedly spotted by a security guard at approximately 03:50 on Wednesday, 14 October 2026, in Redan, triggering a search involving police and other local teams.
According to reports by Vaalweekblad, the security guard, Ithumeleng Mobadi, was on patrol when he heard unusual sounds near a pole on the eastern side of Redan. He initially thought the noise might have come from a cat, but realised the animal was much larger when he illuminated the area with his cellphone flashlight.
Mobadi reportedly managed to photograph the animal before it ran off in a southerly direction.
Search operation underway
Authorities and local teams have been searching for the animal, with reports indicating that a drone equipped with thermal-imaging technology and a police dog unit were deployed to assist in locating it.
The search reportedly extended towards the McKay Estates agricultural holdings, where thick vegetation complicated efforts to track the animal.
The origin of the lion remains unclear.
Bloufontein Wildlife Park has confirmed that the animal does not belong to its facility, stating that its animals had been accounted for and that none were missing.
Residents urged to take precautions
Residents in Redan, Meyerton and nearby areas have been advised to avoid walking, jogging or cycling in isolated areas while the search continues.
They have also been urged to keep children and pets indoors and to avoid approaching, chasing or attempting to capture the animal.
Anyone who spots the lion should report the sighting to the authorities and provide its location and direction of movement, provided this can be done safely.
As of the latest reports on Thursday, 15 October, the search was continuing, and there was no confirmed indication that the animal had been located and safely contained. Residents are encouraged to follow official updates and avoid sharing unconfirmed reports about its whereabouts.
