Limpopo rangers track roaming hippos to private farm
The department will work closely with the owner of the farm to successfully handle the situation.
23 April 12:30
POLOKWANE – The Spokesperson for the Limpopo Economic Development, Environment and Tourism Department (Ledet), Zaid Kalla, said the department’s search for the two roaming hippos, continues.
“We have allocated rangers to search for the hippos, which were spotted near Sekgose village. Our 48 hour search has led us to the Buffelklip area. The area has various dams around it which makes it attractive for such wildlife,” he explained.
Kalla said the place where the hippos were last spotted falls under a private establishment.
“The department is working closely with the owner with the aim to quickly and successfully deal with the issue of the stray hippos. The hippos are no longer within a community setup but we do advise members of nearby communities to alert their authorities on any sighting of stray wildlife,” he added.
Kalla reiterated that community members should never approach stray wildlife.
“Such encounters are always dangerous and residents should rather run away,” he concluded.
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22 April 16:00
POLOKWANE – Two hippopotamuses have reportedly been spotted at Spitzkop village, Ga-Mamabolo.
Review spoke to Mabule Raphela, a resident of the village, which is situated approximately 55km east of Polokwane.
“Residents have been travelling to work in groups ever since reports of hippos being spotted in the area. Residents, who were on their way to work, spotted the hippos this morning and were chased by one of them,” Raphela explained.
He said a 30-year-old man, who works at a nearby farm, was injured and taken to hospital. “He fell and was attacked while on the ground. He was unconscious and was later taken to Mankweng Hospital via ambulance. It is reported that both of his legs were broken.”
@golimpopo @PolokwaneReview@PolokwaneObserv @PlkMunicipality @SAPoliceService
May Parks Board assist with the capturing of hippos that are terrorizing community of #Spitzkop village,in Polokwane (Ward 34).
1 resident was seriously attacked today. 2 hippos were spotted#sabcnews— Mabule Raphela (@mabule2) April 22, 2021
Raphela alerted authorities about the incident.
The Spokesperson for the Limpopo Economic Development, Environment and Tourism Department (Ledet), Zaid Kalla said the department has been informed of a possible sighting of two stray hippos.
“Our rangers are on site, searching for the hippos. Its alleged that it is one bull and a young one. There is a dam nearby which is usually a habitat for such wildlife,” he added.
Kalla said a search operation is currently underway.
“We have been informed that someone has been injured and has since been taken to the nearest hospital,” he concluded.
