Chaos reigned in Mbombela this morning, November 7, as three wildebeest ran rampant through the University of Mpumalanga campus.
The incident happened at about 08:30 as the students were preparing to sit for end-of-year exams starting at 09:00.
Lowvelder received two videos of the incident.
The first shows three wildebeest trotting across a rocky outcrop on campus while the second shows students scattering in all directions for cover as the seemingly spooked wildebeest navigate between campus buildings. Although brought under control, the situation sadly did not end well for two of the animals, as they fell and died on campus.
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The university spokesperson, Tlangelani Ubisi, said the two ill-fated animals fell from an elevated area on campus. A photo shows the two carcases lying side by side on a paved surface. It is understood they might have broken their necks.
A student was injured when she tripped and fell as she was running to safety. Ubisi said she had been taken to hospital for treatment and was in a stable condition.
Despite this unusual incident, the students managed to compose themselves and the exams proceeded as scheduled. However, should any student apply for special permission as a result of what happened, Ubisi said the university would consider it.
An investigation has been launched to determine where the animals had come from and how they accessed the campus. Ubisi ventured that they might have come from one of the surrounding game farms, but could not say with certainty.
The Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency’s spokesperson, Simphiwe Shungube, said they dispatched a team to investigate where the animals had escaped from. He warned all game owners to keep a closer eye on their animals.
Warning: Photo not for sensitive viewers
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