The Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (BCMM) Aquarium and Wild Voices, an organisation responsible for the rehabilitation and release of wildlife, has confirmed there is absolutely no leopard roaming the streets of Sunnyridge, in the Eastern Cape.
This follows a photo shared by a resident as a joke, was taken seriously, causing widespread panic.
As a result, a number of professionals, community members, and other BCMM departments were mobilised to respond.
After an investigation, the organisation confirmed that the image of a “leopard” spotted in the area was a hoax.
The non-profit organisation, has urged residents to act responsibly when using social media, by not sharing or creating false information, especially about wildlife sightings or emergencies.
“These kinds of posts can quickly spiral out of control and result in real-world consequences.”
Picture: Supplied