By Staff Reporter
SERARE VILLAGE-The people of Bokgaga Ga Maake village in Greater Tzaneen are living in awe of the dreaded Hippopotamus, that has been ravaging their villages.
One resident told Tzaneen voice that the loose hippo was seen near a local sports field on Monday evening and few days later was seen at Dipatseng village near ga Matonya bar lounge in the evening.
Another old man identified as Maake said that hippos have been roaming around the village since December 16.
He said: “People have been living in fear due to the increasing number of hippos that have been spotted around.
According to LEDET people living in the villages along Ngwabu river should be extra careful when using the river, because the hippo is living there and frequently grazing in the area in the night.
“This information is shared to sensitise our people in that area to be extra careful, because it seems they are mating, while others are having offspring,” he said.
LEDET confirmed that their representatives are on the ground trying to find the dangerous animal and are appealing anyone with information to alert them.
“I did spend some time flying around to see if I can spot the hippo but with no success, if someone can see the hippo, they can call us and we will go out to remove the animal” he added
This is not the first time a hippo was spotted in the area, in 2019 a hippo was corned and butchered by the community.
The ward 33 councillor Sekhwela Mokoeana warned the community to be vigilant especially at nigh and promised the message will be shared with the relevant stakeholder including tribal office to assist in removing the hippo.
Hippos are mostly herbivores but have been known to get very aggressive. As such has asked members of the public not to approach it or try to confront it.
Anyone sees the hippo must contact LEDET on 076 671 9302 or 067 421 5242
