Lion escapes during transport in North West

If you think you are having a bad day, spare a thought for employees who had to deal with a lion which escaped while being transported from the Free State Province to Nietverdiend in Ramotshere Moiloa on Monday, October 20, 2025.

The North West Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism confirmed that the lion escaped from a trailer along the R49 between Lichtenburg and Zeerust.

Spokesperson Jeremiah Matebesi said the lion has been safely captured and no longer poses a threat to the community or road users. Matebesi added that the department has launched an investigation into the circumstances of the escape and is reviewing compliance with all relevant transport legislation. Preliminary findings suggest there may have been an infringement on the conditions of the transport permit.

The investigation will assess whether the owner adhered to the South African National Standards SANS 1884-3, which cover the transportation, handling, and welfare of carnivores. These standards include specifications for vehicle design, cage safety, handling procedures, and general welfare measures. 

The department will also verify compliance with Condition 5 of the transport permit, which requires the holder to maintain public liability insurance and take responsibility for any damages caused by escaped animals. Matebesi said severe action will be taken against the permit holder if violations are confirmed.

This incident follows several past occurrences of lions escaping during transport or from facilities across South Africa. In July 2023, a lion escaped from a farm near Brits in North West Province, roaming local roads before being tranquilized and recaptured. 

In 2021, another lion escaped from a transport vehicle near Bloemfontein and was safely captured by conservation officials after a short pursuit. A 2019 incident saw two lions escape from a private reserve in Limpopo Province, prompting local authorities to issue warnings and conduct a thorough investigation into the reserve’s containment practices. These cases highlight the ongoing importance of strict adherence to transport and containment regulations.

Matebesi urged game farmers and wildlife transporters to ensure all relevant permits are applied for and that strict compliance with permit conditions and safety protocols is observed. “Adherence to these safety measures is crucial for secure transportation and mitigating risk to the community,” he said.

The department reiterated that investigations will focus on whether the permit holder complied with national standards and all permit conditions. Lessons learned from past escapes continue to inform regulatory practices and ensure that both the animals and the public are kept safe. 

Authorities also stress that public cooperation and reporting of any wildlife sightings during transport is essential to preventing accidents or injuries. The captured lion has been returned to its intended destination at Nietverdiend, and authorities are monitoring the situation to ensure no further incidents occur. 

The department said it continues to review wildlife transportation procedures and will take action where regulations are not followed to safeguard both communities and animals.