WOMAN MAULED BY LIONS 

Bela-Bela – The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Bela-Bela has opened an inquest after a 21-year old woman was attacked and killed by an unknown number of lions at a private Game Reserve on Thursday 6 February. 

The police and the medical emergency services were summoned and responded swiftly.

Police spokesperson colonel Moatshe Ngoepe told Platinum Bushvelder that the medical emergency services found the woman with severe injuries outside the cage and she was certified dead by the paramedics at the scene. 

“Preliminary police investigations indicate that the deceased was performing her regular duties at the lions’ enclosure when she was attacked and killed. The deceased was identified as Swané van Wyk,” Ngoepe added. 

Van Wyk was working as a game manager at a game reserve near Bela-Bela when the incident happend.

The circumstances leading to this tragic incident are still unknown at this stage and form part of investigations being carried out by the police. 

Members of the community are warned to remain alert when they are in areas where dangerous animals are kept.