Courage

A South African man used nothing but the traditional spear to kill a rogue leopard that had just killed a pregnant woman. He was savagely attacked in the process, but managed to kill the leopard.

"A 22-year-old pregnant woman, Nomusa Mncwango, was killed on Sunday morning while fetching water. Her two sisters ran and sounded the alarm," said Maureen Zimu, spokeswoman for KZN Wildlife, the conservation arm of KwaZulu-Natal province, where the incident occurred on communal farm land.

Her neighbour, Thengukuphila Mlambo, went to investigate armed with a spear and was "savagely attacked" by the big cat but managed to stab it. Mlambo, 43, is recovering in hospital.

Attacks by leopards on humans are relatively rare in South Africa and conflicts usually revolve around the predator's fondness for livestock.

Leopards are not confined to fenced reserves, roaming free throughout the country, though in dwindling numbers.

"Our rangers are combing the area because sightings suggest there may be two other leopards in the vicinity," Zimu said.

The incident happened in KwaZulu-Natal province, the home territory of the Zulu nation. One then is probably safe to assume the spear in question is a Zulu Assegai spear. That is one short weapon to go after a leopard with. Personally, I prefer something with a bit more reach. About .460 Weatherby magnum would do it. Hat's off to a very, very brave man indeed, Thengukuphila Mlambo. May your recovery be swift and complete.