Staff Reporter
RESIDENTS of the Onaanda/Elim area in the Omusati Region have been urged to remain vigilant and avoid approaching a stray elephant that was spotted roaming in the area and is now being driven back to its habitat in the Etosha National Park.
According to police, some residents have been obstructing officers and nature conservation officials by making excessive movements in an attempt to get a closer look at the animal as it passes through populated areas.
Police Regional Commander Ismael Basson said reports are unclear as to whether one or possibly two elephants were spotted in the Onaanda/Elim area.
“People are urged to treat the elephant with caution and not to provoke or come too close to it,” said Basson.
A police senior inspector also urged residents to remain inside their homes and avoid interfering with the relocation efforts.
“Remain in your houses and do not approach the elephant. We do not want a repeat of what we experienced recently,” the officer said.
The warning comes days after a 46-year-old woman, Klaudia Amunyela Tamukondjo, was trampled to death by a seriously wounded elephant cow in Omugulugombashe village after residents allegedly provoked the animal while taking pictures. The elephant was later put down by nature conservation officials.
Picture for illustrative purposes only. Photo: File
