A young girl was bitten by a crocodile in Elands River, Swartruggens
A 15 year old young girl, Hesmari van Loggensberg was bitten by a crocodile whilst she was swimming with her two friends in Eland’s river, near Swartruggens. It is reported that whilst the trio were enjoying their swimming, the girl accidentally stepped into something moving seemingly like a crocodile and bit her on the leg.
The two boys heard a loud scream and ran to a nearby house for help. Fortunately two men responded to their plea and ran to assist the girl who was then later taken to hospital by ambulance in Rustenburg. The men managed to assist the girl and claimed to have seen a quick glimpse of the crocodile.
The girl was rushed to the hospital and has sustained bite mark wounds on her leg.
After the Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism received a report, it immediately dispatched its problem Animal Control Specialist and Biodiversity Conservation Officers to the scene to search for the crocodile. The Officers are currently continuing with the search for the crocodile as it may further pose danger to communities residing around Elands River.
“Naturally we would not expect any crocodile in the Elands River but we are aware of captive facilities where crocodiles are bred in that area. Furthermore our Biodiversity Officers are embarking on thorough investigation to determine where the crocodile may have come from and the law will take its course. The Department is in the process of erecting warning signs to caution communities on the possibilities of existing crocodiles in the river and danger they may pose,’’ said Mr Jonathan Denga: Director: Biodiversity Management.
Members of the public around and nearby the river are urged to exercise caution when approaching the waters and anyone who may have spotted the animal must immediately contact our District problem Animal Control Specialist Mrs Vasti Botha on 0837617497 or the South African Police Service (SAPS).
The Department comforts the family of Van Loggensberg and wish Hesmari a speedy recovery.
North West Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism
Enquiries:
Dumisa Seshabela
Cell: 079 522 7375
