The Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) has issued a media statement debunking social media claims of a lion sighting near Breyten Township in the Msukaligwa Local Municipality.
According to the MTPA, the photo of a lion lying beside a road — which has been widely shared online — was not taken in Mpumalanga. Instead, it is an old image from 2024, originally captured in Centurion, Gauteng Province. The agency has confirmed through investigation that the photo has no connection to the Breyten area.
Officials warn that such misinformation can create unnecessary panic within communities and urge the public to verify facts before sharing images or reports.
The agency encourages residents to stay informed through credible sources and avoid circulating misleading content that may compromise public safety.
