There was no way wildlife tracker Malibongwe Mfila, 27, who was mauled to death by two lions at a luxury Limpopo lodge at the weekend, could have known the predators were weak and hungry after being kicked out of their pride in abnormal behaviour for big cats.
Robert More, CEO and owner of the MORE Family Collection, which owns the Marataba Safari Lodge, said the tragedy was the result of a highly unusual set of circumstances.
“Two young male lions, about nine months old, were abandoned by their mother between two and three weeks ago for reasons yet to be determined. This is abnormal lion behaviour as sub-adult males usually only disperse from their natal groups at the age of about two years old,” he told Sunday Times Daily.
“Lions of that age find it challenging to fend for themselves and to hunt on their own. In the postmortem it was noted that their condition was poor (2/5), and it can therefore be assumed that they had not learnt the skills of hunting yet and were in a desperate state, losing condition daily.”
The two lions were put down after the attack because there was a risk that their behaviour would be repeated.
More said Mali was an experienced and respected tracker, and had done nothing wrong.
“He did not walk into the bush, as per protocol, and was not much further than 10m from his vehicle when the young lions must have surprise attacked him. Malibongwe was in the wrong place at the wrong time. He had observed prescribed tracking conduct, had read his environment, and could never have anticipated the extraordinary lion behaviour,” said More.
The lions were euthanised at the instruction of the SA Police Service.
“As tragic as it is, as soon as an animal has been compromised after injuring or killing a human, it needs to be removed, as there is a significant risk that this behaviour becomes learnt,” he said.
More said Mali would be remembered as a kind, quiet and calm person who was a source of light in the team.
“He was always present with a smile and never complained – even on the most difficult of days. He was always available to share his knowledge, and every Marataba field guide and student of the field guide college on the property had the opportunity to drive with Mali when they went out into the bush with him during their induction days or when the lodge was quiet.
“His passion and respect for the bush inspired everyone, motivating them to improve as guides and also as human beings,” said More.
