Makuya farmer Joseph Munzhelele suffered heavy losses when elephants trampled his mango orchard for the second time in less than two years. The latest incident occurred over three nights, from 25 to 27 October, leaving a trail of destruction just as the mango season approaches.
The elephants are believed to have come from the nearby Makuya Nature Reserve, which is owned by the Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (LEDET). Munzhelele and other local farmers have yet to be compensated for previous damage.
"This is too much for me. The elephants have become a menace. We are losing our livelihood as these animals roam freely in our locality. The park has been reduced to a grazing field due to neglect. It is no longer fenced, and wild animals now graze with cattle," he said.
Munzhelele estimated his losses at around R40,000 and said attempts to claim compensation from LEDET had been unsuccessful. "This is the second year I have not harvested anything. I went to the department's offices in Thohoyandou, but they passed the buck to Kruger National Park. They must compensate me for all my losses," he said.
LEDET spokesperson Zaid Kalla said the department was aware of the situation. "As soon as we received an alert, a team of rangers was dispatched. The search is continuing, but the elephants have not been spotted. We urge anyone who sees wildlife in the area to inform the authorities," he said.