Boy, 12, mauled to death by lions in Free State
The boy had been with a worker employed at the farm when the attack occurred yesterday morning.
Management claims the man, who has been working there for six months, took the key to the enclosure and gained entry.
Free State police spokesperson Livhuwani Hani says the worker managed to escape without being hurt.
"The boy was with one of the farm workers in Otavi farms and then they went into the lions' enclosure. The lions escaped from the feeding area and attacked the farm worker and the boy," she said.
The youngster was rushed to hospital but succumbed to his injuries before they arrived.
The lodge says the lions did no exit the enclosure which they say has high, electric fences.