Namibia: Elephants Pose Danger At Night

The Namibian (Windhoek)
12 September 2007

Absalom Shigwedha
Windhoek

PEOPLE in the Caprivi, Erongo, Kavango and Kunene regions should avoid walking around at night in areas where elephants occur.

The was said by Environment and Tourism Minister Willem Konjore in Windhoek on Monday.

He said four people had been killed recently in encounters with elephants in Caprivi and Erongo.

Three people were killed at Sachona, Samundona and Ngonga in the Caprivi Region, while the fourth person, from Okahepe village in Erongo Region, was killed along the Ugab River.

Another person was seriously injured at Impalila Island in Caprivi Region.

The four people who died were identified as Samatutu Issaks Sikunga (77), Costa Jonas Ndumba (39), Rosina Simango (47) and David Tjangura (60).

The person who was injured is Obert Silumbu, who is still being treated in the Katima Mulilo State Hospital.

Konjore expressed his condolences with their families.

People, particularly tourists, have also been urged to avoid harassing and disturbing elephants at waterholes and favoured grazing areas such as riverbanks, as such behaviour may anger the animals.

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