HAZYVIEW – Local residents living in nearby settlements, live in fear of crocodiles allegedly terrorising them and their livestock.
Places such as Shabalala rely on the river for water since the water supply is still a crisis in these areas.
Community members who spoke to this paper stated that their lives are at risk.
They claim that a few days ago, a 16-year-old boy was attacked by a crocodile when at the river but he luckily managed to escape after he was pulled out of the water by other residents.
Ms Ida Mohlala, the boy’s mother said, “We didn’t know we are living with these reptiles, our lives are in danger since we get water from the river to survive.
“It’s clear that we are no longer safe. I thank God that my son is alive.
“He tried to save a goat while the crocodile was pulling it into the river but some members of the community rescued my child,” she said.
She added that she was sad to have lost livestock and that it was not the first time.
She said the community wasn’t aware of the danger the river posed and suggested that it would be better if they fenced it so that children would keep away.
Another resident in the area, Mr Berry Mokoena said, “We don’t have water in our yard and no water tankers supplying us, we are forced to risk our lives and go to the river although we know there are crocodiles. We do not have a choice because we can’t live without water.”
The community told Mpumalanga News that they had tried several times to engage their ward councillor, Mr Madayisi Mokoena to ask the municipality to provide water tankers to avoid using the river.
When asked to comment, Mokoena said, “We are still busy discussing this issue with the municipality.
“We have visited the area with Mpumalanga Parks Board and have already installed cages to catch the crocodiles.”
