22 Jan 2024

The Department of Wildlife and National Parks is devising a plan to catch a crocodile that has killed 11 goats belonging to a farmer in Malolwane. A senior wildlife officer, Mr Kealeboga Komanyane said the crocodile was from the Madikwe River and that it relocated to a nearby dam belonging to a local farmer. He said it was difficult to catch the crocodile because of the rainy season, but that they would come up with a safe plan within the shortest time possible.

He was speaking at a kgotla meeting addressed by Mochudi East MP, Mr Mabuse Pule at Mmathubudukwane.  He urged residents of the river villages of Sikwane, Mmathubudukwane, Ramonaka and Malolwane to be vigilant when approaching the river. He also advised those who held picnics at the river to avoid sitting on the bank. He noted that the Madikwe River also had hippopotamus that were equally dangerous. Mr Komanyane said crocodile warning signs would be erected at the river to alert passerby’s and fishermen, urging residents to obey all crocodile warning signs.

Mr Pule, who is also Assistant Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, told them about the just ended Parliament meeting and some of the bills that were passed.

He said the Persons with Disabilities Bill was intended to protect, promote and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by persons with disabilities, and to promote respect for their inherent dignity. He urged residents not to discriminate against PWDs and that the bill made it an offence to victimise or incite another person to discriminate against a person with disability. Mr Pule also implored residents to shun gender based violence. He informed residents that due to the severe drought throughout the country, the subsidy feed for livestock had been extended from February to June this year. He encouraged constituents to take advantage of the new Ipelegeng programme that has a skills development component, saying they could end up being certified artisans.

Kgosi Thari Balebetse of Mmathubudukwane urged residents to take care of their livestock and to ensure it did not roam everywhere. He said the unfortunate mishap of a crocodile killing goats should be an eye opener for other farmers.

Kgosi Balebetse also called on Mmathubudukwane residents to embrace positive change and to be progressive in all respects. He said jealousy and pulling each other down would not help residents.

He was prompted by allegations that residents were unable to select exceptional individuals for independence awards. ENDS