Kruger elephant euthanised amid community mob chaos
It is heartbreaking! A Kruger National Park elephant escaped into neighboring Matsulu on Saturday.
Videos of the elephant were posted on social media. In the video, you can see the panicked elephant running between houses.
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Community members had allegedly chased after it and threw objects at it.
COMMUNITY MEMBERS CHASED AFTER IT AND THREW OBJECTS AT IT
A helicopter was dispatched.
According to a report by Lowvelder, the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) made the decision that the elephant had to be euthanised after a mob had formed around it.
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The KNP’s Ike Phaahla told the publication the helicopter had flown to the area to drive the elephant back.
However, the community members threatened the MTPA members on the ground.
Phaahla furthermore said the police had been notified, but they could not control the crowds.
“We then flew back as the situation had gone out of control. The MTPA colleagues did their best, but it looks like their efforts were in vain,”
he said.
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THE CROWS COULD NOT BE CONTROLLED
The Matsulu Community Policing Forum’s Jacob Siboza told the publication that he was informed that some community members had started cutting the elephant up after the MTPA had shot it.
Videos of the community members cutting the elephant up were shared on social media.
AVOID WILDLIFE AND REPORT IT
The community was urged to report any sightings of wildlife in the area immediately and to avoid any that roam around in the future. They should call Siboza at 082 691 9090 or MTPA’s acting CEO, Nomcebo, directly at 082 322 8515.
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