03 Oct 2017

Chobe residents have been advised not to shoot elephants in retaliation for destruction of property.

Speaking at a full council session in Kasane, Chobe District Council chairperson, Councillor Paul Chabaesele said with the dry season approaching and wild animals expected to cause havoc at water wells, residents should avoid shooting them.

Cllr Chabaesele urged farmers to cover and fence water wells and always report incidents of wildlife destruction to the Department of Wildlife and National Parks for assistance since shooting was highly prohibited.

He also indicated that during the reporting period, over P400 000 was paid out as compensation for the 174 cases reported.

Cllr Mwanota Kachana of Parakarungu-Satau expressed disappointment at the decision taken not to harm wildlife despite being a danger to people’s lives.

He indicated that the issue of human-wildlife conflict was sensitive and the decision taken would not reflect well on them because it would seem like they failed to advocate for the people’s rights.

Cllr Kachana expressed disappointment that despite tourism being the second major source of income in the country, those employed in the sector were still under-paid and not treated with respect.

Plateau Cllr Boitumelo Kanyetu said it was disappointing that people were advised not to harm wildlife when they intruded or damaged their property, yet nothing was being mentioned about compensation.

Cllr Kanyetu said in most cases, people were never compensated. ENDS