WATCH out, there are elephants on the loose!
Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency has warned residents to be on the lookout for elephants from Mozambique and Eswatini.
This comes after residents spotted a herd of elephants roaming around Madadeni in the Nkomazi region on Friday, 6 May.
Ntokozo Shongwe (67) said: “We were busy on the mealie-field when we saw a herd of elephants crossing the road and coming towards us. We reported to our traditional leadership authorities.”
Parks Agency spokeswoman Kholofelo Nkambule confirmed to Daily Sun that they were alerted to 11 elephants roaming around Madadeni.
“It is believed that the elephants are from Mozambique and they made their way to Eswatini and eventually to Mpumalanga. There has been an appeal to make sure they get back to Mozambique safely,” she said.
“A team of wildlife experts from Mpumalanga Tourism Parks Agency has been working to make sure that the elephants are taken back safely without endangering the lives of those in the surrounding communities.”
She appealed to people from the communities not to resort to violence or provoke the elephants in any way as this could result in serious injuries or even the loss of life.
“We appeal to the community to work with our experts as we ensure the elephants get home safely,” she said.
