Crocodiles on the loose

SEARCH: 90 OF 150 THAT ESCAPE AFTER DAM COLLAPSES STILL MISSING

Tourism agency concerned crocs are a danger to humans and livestock.

At least 90 adult crocodiles are still at large in the area and rivers around Da Gama Dam, after a dam wall, forming a safe enclosure, broke at the end of January due to the rain in the area.

The escape of 150 crocs in January was reported to the Mpumalanga Parks and Tourism Agency (MTPA) officials by the farm owner, John Cowley. The MTPA confirmed he had received a permit to capture and transport the crocodiles on 5 February.

The dam wall at Nola Farms near Hazyview gave way due to elevated water levels brought on by torrential rain at the end of January.

The dam contained about 150 crocodiles, most of which escaped into the adjacent overflow stream of Da Gama Dam and the White Waters River. A total of 62 have been recovered.

The MTPA also received reports of crocodile sightings near the boathouse at Da Gama Dam. A photo of one of the crocodiles, allegedly taken at Da Gama, was sent to the agency.

“This is a catastrophe,” said MTPA spokeswoman, Kholofelo Nkambule. “These highly intelligent, prehistoric creatures are different from wild crocodiles. They were raised and fed by humans. When they hear humans, they will come closer in anticipation of food.”

According to the MTPA, a number of the crocodiles moved upstream into the Da Gama Dam.

“This is a dam where people swim and catch fish – it’s a disaster. We urge the public to refrain from these activities until further notice,” said Nkambule.

Although a photo of one crocodile near the boathouse at Da Gama Dam confirmed its presence, Robert Buchanan, commodore