Crocodiles caught after farm escape

ATTEMPTS to recapture Nile crocodiles that escaped from a breeding facility outside Bonnievale in the Western Cape are continuing.

CapeNature reported that 27 of them had been recaptured. A further seven crocodiles had to be euthanised and six others were spotted, but could not be caught.

It is still unclear how many crocodiles managed to get away.

CapeNature spokesperson Petro van Rhyn said the overgrown river and dense vegetation on the riverbanks made it difficult to recapture the animals.

“Being nocturnal animals, the best time to search for them is at night. As time is of the essence, CapeNature and the search party partners were left with no choice but to euthanise seven of the crocodiles spotted.

“Although crocodiles are indigenous to South Africa, they are not part of the natural fauna of the Western Cape.”

Chief executive of CapeNature Razeena Omar said she was saddened by the measures the operation required, but “CapeNature regards the safety of the surrounding community first and foremost.

ZURICH: A far-right proposal to ban facial coverings in Switzerland won a narrow victory in a binding referendum yesterday instigated by the same group that organised a 2009 ban on new minarets.

The measure to amend the Swiss constitution passed by a 51.2-48.8% margin, provisional official results showed.

The proposal under the Swiss system of direct democracy does not mention Islam directly and also aims to stop violent street protesters from wearing masks, yet local politicians, media and campaigners have dubbed it the burqa ban.

The Central Council of Muslims in Switzerland called the vote a dark day for the community.