The Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism in Limpopo (Ledet), has asked the community of the Vhembe District, in Limpopo, to exercise caution.
This is because over fifty (50) elephants are en route, roaming wildlife and crop farms, scouting for food, whilst migrating from Botswana and Zimbabwe.
This happens every year from July until October.
A herd crossing over from the Zimbabwean border, killed a person in Tshamutumbu, recently, a result of previous conflict with people, due to heightened stress.
As a result, authorities are urging residents to stay away from the animals, and pause collecting firewood in opportune areas.
Zaid Kalla, Spokesperson of Ledet, said in a statement on Thursday, “the Department is alarmed at reports of community members pursuing elephants or following our rangers, during response efforts. We strongly discourage any attempts by members of the public to track, photograph or interfere with the movement of both our rangers and the elephants.”
Affected areas are Pont-drift, Musina, Tshendzhelani, Ha-Gumbu, Tshikondeni, Makuya, Mtititi, Masisi, Punda-Maria and Tshamutumbu.
Kalla also said rangers are monitoring the situation to redirect stray elephants, away from residential areas.
Picture: Science Photo Library