06 Aug 2025

 A 37-year-old woman lost her life after being trampled by an elephant near Nxabe settlement recently.

Maun Police Station Commander Superintendent Joseph Lepodise said the incident was reported by a 47-year-old man who had gone out with five others to gather water lilies. According to the report, the group encountered a herd of elephants, prompting them to scatter in fear for their lives. Supt Lepodise said the woman, who was the younger sister of the man who filed the report, was heard screaming moments after they dispersed.

“When the group returned to check on her, they found her motionless with blood oozing from her ears, eyes, and mouth, clear signs of severe trauma,” he said.

He further said the woman was rushed to the hospital, where she was later pronounced dead.

“This is a deeply unfortunate incident. We urge residents to exercise caution when venturing into the bush, especially in areas known to be frequented by elephants,” said Superintendent Lepodise.

This is not the first time such an incident has occurred in the region, where human-wildlife conflict remains challenge.  Authorities continue to sensitise residents on safety and preventive measures to reduce such encounters. Supt Lepodise further warned that elephant populations in the region had increased significantly and that herds now move closer to human settlements often accompanied by calves, which makes them more aggressive and protective.

“People need to be alert and avoid walking in areas where elephants have been sighted. These animals are unpredictable, and the risk is even greater when young ones are involved,” he cautioned.

Meanwhile, a newborn baby boy was found abandoned under a tree near Exit 5 in Disaneng ward in Maun on Sunday, prompting renewed concern over the rising number of child abandonment cases in the region. According to Maun Station Commander, Superintendent Joseph Lepodise, a 25-year-old man reported the incident to the police after he and a group of others heard the cries of a baby coming from nearby bushes.

Upon investigating, they discovered the infant wrapped in blankets under a tree. Police immediately responded to the scene, and the baby believed to be around four days old was rushed to the hospital, where he is currently reported to be in good health. Supt Lepodise appealed to the public for assistance in identifying the child’s mother.

“This marks the second case of infant abandonment in Maun this year. In January, a newborn baby girl was also found deserted in Winela ward and to date, the mother in that case has not been located,” he said.

Superintendent Lepodise expressed concern over the growing trend and strongly condemned the act of abandoning infants in unsafe environments.

“We urge anyone who finds themselves unable to care for a newborn to seek help from social workers or relevant authorities rather than putting the child’s life at risk,” he said.

He warned that abandoning a child was a criminal offence, punishable by imprisonment of three to six months, a fine ranging from P2,000 to P5,000, or both. ENDS