The Department of Economic Development in Limpopo said the lions, which escaped on Friday in Phalaborwa, returned to their usual location.
The department confirmed that the pride was residing at the Foskor mine and did belong to the South African National Parks.
MEC Thabo Mokone said it was normal during dry season that they would move from their usual spot in search for water and prey along the river.
Mokone visited the Phalaborwa area to calm residents after 14 lions were reported missing.
He said residents told him that they were being harassed by the beasts and asked him to move them elsewhere.
But Mokone said the animals were part of the community too.
“We have taken the decision that we are not going to move them. These animals are a part of this area and have been staying here for a long time.”
A security guard died on Saturday after being trampled by an elephant in the area where the 14 lions were presumed to have escaped from. The MEC said an investigation was underway to get to the bottom of the matter.
Meanwhile, mining company Foskor said it was not clear how the elephant that trampled on a security guard to death ended up in their premises.
The company confirmed the death of the guard on Saturday.
Foskor, which is situated next to the Kruger National Park, said it believed that the animal escaped and somehow managed to get onto their premises.
The body of the officer was found behind a guardroom.
Foskor’s industrial relations head Frans Mokhondo said: “We heard the sound of the elephant and summoned for help. We then searched for the now deceased security guard. The deceased worked for a security company which offered services to Foskor.”
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Source – EWN