Maun West MP Caterpillar Hikuama wants a full investigation into reports of crocodiles escaping from Sitatunga Crocodile Farm and assurances that communities are safe.
SESUPO RANTSIMAKO
Maun West MP Caterpillar Hikuama has accused the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP) of failing to fully answer questions over reports that crocodiles escaped from Sitatunga Crocodile Farm into the Thamalakane-Dikgatlhong river network.
Escape Questions
Speaking to The Botswana Gazette, Hikuama said the incident had caused anxiety among communities in Maun and along the river system, particularly amid reports of escaped large predators.
He accused DWNP of downplaying the matter by maintaining that only one crocodile escaped and was later recaptured, without adequately explaining the circumstances of the escape.
“We are disturbed by the unverified circulating audio from one of the witnesses of what happened,” Hikuama said.
He called for an investigation to establish how the crocodile escaped, whether more than one animal was involved and whether the number of crocodiles at the farm still corresponds with the original stock before the reported escape.
“What the community needs is assurance that their lives are not in danger,” he said.
Warning Raises Questions
DWNP said in a spot announcement this week that only one crocodile escaped from the farm and was subsequently recaptured and returned to captivity.
Despite that assurance, the department warned the public to remain vigilant for crocodiles moving along the Thamalakane River following recent flooding.
Members of the public who spot crocodiles along the river were advised to report them to the nearest police station or wildlife office.
The warning has raised questions about the possible presence of crocodiles in the river system, although DWNP maintains that the escaped animal was recaptured.
DWNP Unavailable
Efforts by The Botswana Gazette to obtain further clarification from DWNP were unsuccessful.
North West District acting regional wildlife coordinator Thebeyakgosi Horatius initially asked to be called after 10 minutes but could not be reached again despite subsequent calls.
Hikuama maintains that a transparent investigation is needed to establish what happened and reassure residents along the river network.