16 Jul 2026

Two crocodiles that were spotted in a pond behind the Institute of Development Management (IDM) in Francistown four weeks ago have not been found despite an extensive search. The search was conducted by officials from the Department of Wildlife and National Parks together with Botswana Defence Force scuba divers. 

Surveillance operations were also carried out along the Tati River following continued reports of crocodile sightings. In an interview, acting principal wildlife officer Mr Emmanuel Jeremiah said the search team has temporarily paused operations but remains on standby.

He explained that the equipment and personnel deployed for the search have since been reassigned to Mohembo in the Shakawe area. 

“In the meantime, we are planning to establish a quick response team comprising the BDF, Department of Wildlife and National Parks and the Botswana Police Service,” he said.

Mr Jeremiah said the department also intended to erect warning billboards to caution public of crocodiles. Beware of Crocodiles” at the scene and along the Tati River. 

He noted that crocodiles are not stationary and that there are several large ponds with water along the river. The department is further considering the use of drones to locate the crocodiles, but is still awaiting authorisation from relevant authorities.

He said the use of drones is complex because they operate at different levels and some are area specific. 

“Because the area is in close proximity to the airport, we will have to liaise with other departments to avoid any collision between drones and aircraft,” he added. Mr Jeremiah said drones are the next option before other strategies are considered, stressing that human life comes first.

He said the intention was to conduct surveillance of the river, locate the crocodiles and eliminate them. He noted that relocation was not an option because it  is costly.

“If you relocate a crocodile and it is killed by another one through dominance at the new location, that becomes a huge loss in terms of relocation costs,” he said.

However, he stated that the final decision on relocation will depend on the number of crocodiles found.

Mr Jeremiah attributed the difficulty in locating the reptiles to the thick reeds in the area. 

He added that during winter, crocodiles become less active and feed less.

“We have tried several times to lure them with chickens but they have not surfaced,” he said.

He explained that during winter crocodiles hibernate using stored fat reserves, which is why they may not be emerging from the water. Mr Jeremiah said despite the challenges, the department would not abandon the operation because the safety of the public remained a priority.

Meanwhile, vegetable farmers with gardens near the pond have expressed fear following the crocodile sightings. One of the farmers, Mr Odirile Lenyepe of Tonota, who resides in Block 8 in Francistown, said their operations had been severely disrupted. He said since the reptiles were spotted four weeks ago, they have not been able to water their gardens properly. Mr Lenyepe has appealed for assistance with a water pump, saying fetching water from the river pond with buckets was risky. ENDS