Dinokeng Game Reserve lions

Hyenas harassing lionesses flee at the sight of a male lion, Photo: Maasai Sightings

Dinokeng Game Reserve to euthanise lions who mauled employee to death

A 30-year-old employee was attacked and tragically mauled to death by lions at the Dinokeng Game Reserve in Gauteng.

Dinokeng Game Reserve lions

Hyenas harassing lionesses flee at the sight of a male lion, Photo: Maasai Sightings

The Dinokeng Game Enterprise has applied for a permit to euthanise three lions that are believed to have mauled to death Johannes Matshe, an employee of a land owner at Dinokeng Game Reserve in Hammanskraal, Gauteng.

The incident reportedly happened on Sunday, 13 August at night.

MAN MAULED TO DEATH BY LIONS AT DINOKENG GAME RESERVE

In a statement, the game reserve said the man was attacked and mauled to death by lions while trying to navigate the reserve on foot after dark.

Notably, walking within the Dinokeng Game Reserve is strictly prohibited at night or at anytime in accordance with regulations.

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The employee was only discovered on Monday, 14 August when the fencing team from the reserve discovered what appeared to be human remains.

“The operations manager responded promptly, confirming the unfortunate loss of life. The South African Police Service (SAPS) was notified immediately and acted swiftly commencing an ongoing investigation,” the reserve said.

FATE OF LIONS TO BE DECIDED

The reserve also confirmed that it has applied for a permit from the Gauteng Department of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment to euthanise three lions that mauled Matshe to death.

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The reserve said the decision regarding the fate of the lions was taken considering the emotional tragedy suffered by the late employee’s family, friends as well as several discussions with subject matter experts among other reasons.

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