VILLAGERS of Sgagula Village outside Acornhoek, Mpumalanga, are living in fear.
This is because a leopard has been on the loose since Sunday, 14 August.
Resident Bongiwe Mathebula (47) said they were warned by a tourist after the big cat was seen stalking the Orpen Gate road going towards the village.
"We are not safe with this deadly leopard on the loose. It's not the first time leopards, lions and even hippos trouble us in the village. The lions and leopards eat our cows, goats and pigs," she said.
She said Edmond Ngomane (42) was on his way to work when he got mauled by a hippo on 8 May.
Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency spokeswoman, Kholofelo Nkambule, said: "We have checked with our team and confirmed that a leopard was spotted once along the Orpen Gate road.
"They are closely monitoring the situation and capture cages may be set if it is spotted again."
Should community members spot the leopard they can contact the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency team's Louw Steyn on 083 626 6792.
