Regret and fear after elephant feast!

RESIDENTS of Tshitavha Sambandou Village in Limpopo enjoyed a memorable long weekend feasting on the meat of a troublesome elephant that was killed on Friday, 14 June.

Initially, this brought relief and celebration, but the mood soon shifted to fear when another elephant, which had been shot, escaped.

Residents' fear comes from concerns that the wounded elephant, possibly in pain or feeling threatened, might seek revenge or act aggressively towards them.

It has been reported that about seven elephants were causing concern among residents, with one being killed by rangers.

Speaking to Daily Sun, resident Ampfarisaho Mudau said: "We enjoyed the elephant meat over the long weekend, with some residents even making braais. Elephant meat is delicious, and some of us have stored it in refrigerators while others have made biltong. But now we are living in fear because one of the elephants which was shot is nowhere to be found."

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Local farmer Avhasei Ndou expressed frustration over the elephants' impact on their livelihoods.

"The elephants started causing problems two months ago by destroying our crops, such as tomatoes, resulting in significant losses. When we report to rangers, they said they can't search for the animals in the mountains but only respond when they are near the local sports ground. Our farms are our only source of income and food, and the rangers seem to be neglecting us," he said.

Despite efforts to locate and secure the animal, residents remain cautious, avoiding areas where the elephant might be hiding.

Zaid Kalla, a spokesman for the Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment, and Tourism, said the department is aware of the issue and has sent officials to manage the elephants.

"The situation is under control on the ground. Two elephants have been culled so far," Kalla said.