Four lions on the loose in Mpumalanga

UPDATE

SanParks says the lions have been spotted in Matsulu village, just outside the Kruger Park. 

A search has launched for the animals. 

MTPA spokesperson Kholofelo Nkambule says they're working with police and Kruger National Park rangers to track the lions. 

"The MTPA is currently conducting an extensive search operation to find the four lions which were spotted in Boulders in the Mara valley, south of the N4, in the early hours of today," she says. 

MTPA CEO Johannes Nobunga says all resources will be pooled to track the lions. 

"There has been no sighting of the missing lions since they were last spotted in the morning. We will continue with this search and use all the necessary resources at our disposal to locate them."

In May, five lions escaped from the Kruger Park. 

The animals were also spotted along the N4, but near Manga. 

Four of the five lions which escaped were later darted and returned to the game reserve.

Nobunga urges residents to remain vigilant and alert officials should they sight the animals. 

"The terrain in which the search is being conducted poses some challenges for the team, however we will continue to work with farm owners and the community in the area to provide us with any information that will assist us with this operation," he says.

Possible sightings should be reported to the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency on 083 626 6792.