After this week’s heavy rain and flooding in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), 12 crocodiles escaped from Crocodile Creek Farm. And while seven have since been found and recaptured, five crocodiles are still on the loose near the Tugela River.
Residents to contact authorities in case of a crocodile sighting
Ezemvelo KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife confirmed on Wednesday 13 April that the five remaining crocodiles were swept away by floods in Tongaat, which is situated north of Durban.
According to Ezemvelo’s spokesperson Musa Mntambo, the animals most likely entered the Tugela River and locals shouldn’t be too worried.
“We suspect that the five crocodiles might have walked into the Tugela River, which is less than one kilometre where their farm is, and people should not be worried.”
Mntambo added that should any residents spot one of the missing reptiles, they should contact Ezemvelo Wildlife or the police.
Watch below how one crocodile was found.
Thus far, close to 60 people have been pronounced dead. And many others are sadly also suspected to not have survived the flooding.
The damage that has been caused by the destruction of the water and mudslides has left thousands of people homeless. And the province is in such a state that the premier called upon President Ramaphosa to declare KZN a state of a disaster zone.