PANIC IN THE REGION AFTER OVER 150 CROCODILES ON THE LOOSE IN SOUTH AFRICA

Tue 09 March 2021:

More than 150 crocodiles have escaped from a breeding enclosure in South Africa’s eastern Mpumalanga province, causing panic in the region, a local official said.

It is reported that the crocodile enclosure on one of the farms in the area collapsed during the recent persistent rains. Over 160 of the reptiles escaped.

The crocodiles are now believed to be in the rivers and dams around White River, Hazyview and the surrounding areas.

More than 50 have been recaptured while over 100 are still nowhere to be found. It is believed that some may have made their way to the Sand River, a tributary of the Sabie River.

Concerned residents have pleaded with the authorities to recapture the crocodiles before they attack people. They say most children swim in the rivers to cool off from the heat.

April Lukhele, an official at the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA), warned residents not to go close to the Sand River, which is near the enclosure, or dams in nearby villages, as crocodiles are known to get out of fast moving waters and settle outside making them dangerous to both humans and livestock.

“The children like this place. Even the elders come to swim here. We would like authorities to assist us and remove the crocodiles. It is not safe because the river is overflowing. We can’t see whether the crocodiles are here. It is not safe at all,” says a resident.

Residents say most children swim in the Sand River to cool off from the heat, while other people perform rituals in the river.

“The permit for the breeding programme will be revoked so that he will be given a chance again to rebuild the facility. If the quality is so good, we will issue the permit again,” the official said.