17 Feb 2025

The District Wildlife Officer, Mr Mbututu Mbututu, has confirmed that two elephants have been spotted roaming freely in the vicinity of Tonota and Ditladi.

The alert was raised following a report from the District Commissioner of Tonota, Mr Keabetswe Lesiela, over the weekend.

In an interview today, Mr Mbututu detailed the situation, stating, “I was informed that the two elephants were initially located near the Madunyane quarry but were reportedly on the move toward Tonota West. By Sunday, they had been spotted heading towards Ditladi village.”

To ensure public safety, Mr Mbututu indicated that a wildlife team is collaborating with the District Commissioner’s office and local police to monitor the situation closely.

He urged the community to remain vigilant, particularly during the rainy season when elephants tend to traverse various areas in search of water.

“Should members of the public encounter these elephants, it is crucial that they refrain from attempting to chase them, especially with dogs, as this could provoke a dangerous situation. Instead, they should immediately notify the police, the District Commissioner’s office, or the wildlife office,” he advised.

District Commissioner Mr Lesiela confirmed that they became aware of the elephants’ presence over the weekend, emphasising that the incident was promptly communicated to the Department of Wildlife and National Parks as well as local authorities for assistance.

He noted that the community was alerted through social media to exercise caution, as the elephants were reported to have moved towards the Dikgatlhong area.

Residents were urged to stay informed and practice caution as the wildlife team works to ensure safety in the region. ENDS