Renowned Limpopo conservationist mauled to death by lions

A 69-year-old man has died after being brutally attacked by his own lions. According to the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Limpopo, Arthur Mathewson, a well-known conservationist running a lodge in Hoedspruit, was killed by two white lionesses on Wednesday, 26 August 2020.

The wild cats are believed to have pounced on their owner at the Lion Tree Top Lodge while his own wife was watching.

“It is believed that the two lionesses attacked the deceased during one of their usual walks. The incident allegedly took place while his wife was helplessly watching”, said SAPS spokesperson  Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo in a statement.

Lionesses moved to neighbouring lodge

“The Police and emergency services were activated and on arrival, the man was found with multiple injuries. He was declared dead on the scene”, Mojapelo said.

He said the lionesses have been moved to another game lodge in the area.

“The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Limpopo Lieutenant General Nneke Ledwaba has warned members of the society especially the owners to be careful around these dangerous animals to avoid these types of tragic incidents from happening”

According to reports, the lions also attacked a man from a neighbouring farm. The man later died. The lions were raised at the lodge to educate people about the dangers the species faced.

It is estimated that as many as 8,000 lions are bred and held in sanctuaries across the country alone.

In August 2019, Leon van Biljon was also killed by three lions at his Mahala View Lion Lodge, north of Pretoria.

The man was reportedly fixing a broken fence in the enclosure when he was attacked by the animals. One of them grabbed him by his neck.

The lions were subsequently shot dead by staff members at the lodge.