Authorities confirmed the one-year-old female leopard was found dead following an extensive multi-agency search operation that lasted nearly two weeks. The animal was located on Saturday (28/2) in a mountainous area of the farm.

Preliminary investigations revealed the animal escaped from the top corner of a camp on the Mooifontein farm on Monday, 16 February, following severe weather damage.

Severe weather conditions caused significant damage to the property, including fallen trees damaging the electric fencing system, allowing the leopard to break free, said the farm owner.

“A preliminary assessment will now be conducted to determine the exact cause of death,” said Free State Destea spokesperson Mojalefa Mphapang. “The leopard, weighing 25.8 kg, was positively identified through a microchip scan bearing number 900141000843374.

“When the farm realized the leopard was missing, authorities immediately launched a large-scale search operation, deploying drones and thermal imaging cameras to track the animal across surrounding farmland and mountainous terrain.”

Despite ongoing efforts, no confirmed sightings were reported during the 12-day search period, he said.

Officials have again reminded communities of important safety precautions when encountering wild animals:

• Members of the public are advised to remain calm.
• Avoid approaching or attempting to chase animals.
• Keep children and pets indoors until authorities assess the situation.
• Motorists and residents are encouraged to move to safe locations.
• Immediately report sightings to law enforcement officials, environmental authorities, wildlife experts, or the SPCA with clear details such as the location, time, and direction in which the animal moved.

Authorities also cautioned against spreading unverified information on social media, warning misinformation can cause unnecessary panic and hinder coordinated response efforts.

‘Police concluded that the animal was actually a serval’

The most recent incident comes after claims of a leopard sighting in the Glen area in January, which caused a leopard scare north of Bloemfontein. The animal was allegedly seen close to the R30, between Glen Agricultural College and the N1.

After speaking with the eyewitness and examining photos, the police concluded the animal was actually a serval, which is not considered harmful to people.

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OFM News/Zenande Mpame sm