Yes, it is true. The police in Louis Trichardt did issue a warning on Wednesday night (22 March) that residents of New Town east of the N1 north should be on the lookout for a leopard.
Makhado police spokesperson sergeant Irene Radzilane on Thursday morning confirmed that indeed it was the police that issued the warning on social media. The warning went viral, being shared across numerous social media platforms and social media groups. Some, however, doubted the authenticity of the message, especially in an era plagued by false news.
Radzilane stated that around 21:00 on Wednesday a motorist travelling on the N1 north almost collided with the leopard as it crossed the N1 near the arrestor bed just outside of Louis Trichardt. The leopard was crossing from the Komatiland plantation side over the N1 into New Town.
"The motorist went to the police station to report the incident," said Radzilane.
Mr Isaac Lukoto of the office of the Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism in Louis Trichardt responded to questions on Thursday morning saying that they are following up on the sighting. He explained that leopards are not uncommon to the Soutpansberg, which boasts a healthy leopard population.
The mountain range being its natural habitat, Lukoto said that chances are that the leopard already returned to its more protected surroundings. Having said that, he still asked residents to remain vigilant and to not try and capture or kill the animal when spotted. He urged members of the public to rather call the local authorities to report any sighting. Their office can also be contacted at Tel 082 904 5812.