Nature on the Move, Leopard on R510

Sandfontein/ R510 – A rare and majestic moment in nature was captured when a leopard was spotted on Sunday, 18 May 2025, just before dawn, along the R510 road from Sandfontein towards Ramokokastad.

The leopard, recorded in a short video clip shared by a community member, has stirred a mix of wonder and concern. While sightings of wild predators outside conservation areas are uncommon, the Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT) has confirmed that leopards do occur naturally beyond park boundaries and often move across roads and even provinces.

“Reports such as these are taken seriously. We appreciate community involvement and encourage responsible wildlife awareness,” said Jeremiah Matebesi, spokesperson for DEDECT.  As a precaution, DEDECT has already informed local security. Officials are also urging residents to exercise caution and to follow these guidelines:

• Do not approach, provoke, or attempt to catch the leopard.
• If spotted again, try to safely capture a photo or video and report it immediately.
• Who to contact?
• Vasti Jacobs (Bojanala area): 083 761 7497
• Reggie Kgetsana (Ngaka Modiri Molema district): 066 448 0136
• Siyabonga Mseleku (Dr Kenneth Kaunda and Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati districts): 061 478 5931

DEDECT emphasised the importance of photographic or video verification, or evidence of livestock predation, to ensure rapid and effective response. Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant, stay safe, and admire wildlife from a respectful distance.

Photo: Captured from a community video: A rare sighting of a leopard making its way along the R510 near Ramokokastad.