Deadly leopard on the loose!

A LEOPARD "spotted" by residents of Matsulu in Mpumalanga has sparked fear in the area.

The leopard, which is believed to have been in the area since Sunday, 26 May, has already attacked dogs in the area.

Residents live in fear as they remain in their houses. On Wednesday, 29 May, they were scared to venture out in the streets to go to voting stations to cast their vote.

Some had opted not to vote as they feared being attacked by the roaming leopard.

Jacob Shikwambane told Daily Sun when he first heard that the animal was in the area, he took it with a pinch of salt, until he saw with his own eyes the dogs that were mauled by the wild animal.

Jacob said the dogs started barking around 4am on Wednesday, 29 May.

He said when he peeped through the window, he saw the leopard climbing on a mango tree with a dog. He called his neighbours and reported the matter to authorities, who promised to attend to it. However, nothing has been done about it yet.

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Jacob said they're worried that if it came after anyone, they won't be able to defend themselves.

"I had to use my bakkie to transport some of the residents to the voting stations. They wanted to exercise their right to vote, but now the leopard makes them scared. Many of us are old. If this animal came attacking, we won't be able to defend ourselves," he said.

Meanwhile, another resident, Jeffrey Siboza said they're worried about those returning home from work at night. He said the matter was reported to the Kruger National Park and the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA).

Jeffery said officials from MTPA promised to bring in a cage and entrap the animal.

MTPA's Simphiwe Shungube confirmed that a team was dispatched to the area to set up a cage to entrap the leopard.

"We're aware that a leopard was spotted in the community. Immediately after we were informed, we had to dispatch a team. Our team is already on the ground, looking for the animal," he said.