Tiger safely captured in Edenvale, says local security, but SPCA is yet to verify

Conflicting reports that the escaped tiger in Edenvale has been captured have emerged.

Gary Wilson of Swat SOS told media in the Eastleigh Ridge suburb the tiger was safely darted a short while ago. 

However, Edenvale SPCA inspector Hope Mokalapa said they have no proof the tiger was darted.

The animal welfare organisation said in a statement at 11.12am: “We cannot confirm any reports as we have not seen the tiger nor heard from authorities as to whether she is safe and where she has been moved to. More information will be given when we have it but no confirmation can be given on any reports of her being safely captured.”

The suburb was panicked early on Monday by  news that an adolescent tiger had escaped from a property in the area.

The young tiger was spotted at about 5.20am on CCTV footage shared by Swat SOS.

Information about the owner and the property where the exotic big cat was kept remain sketchy.

The National Council of SPCAs said the tiger is believed to be a nine-month-old female.

The organisation said it contacted the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development about the tiger escape, given that it and the Ekurhuleni municipality are "responsible for enforcing the legislation that allows these dangerous animals to be kept in captivity in the first place."

"Some form of accountability and responsibility for the welfare of the animal/s and the residents needs to be taken by them."

This is a developing story.

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