RUSTENBURG HERALD - RUSTENBURG - Following numerous rumours and videos suggesting the presence of crocodiles at Olifantsnek Dam, a co-ordinated investigation launched to determine the facts has stunned the Olifantsnek Dam fraternity.
Local environmentalist and insurance broker Thomas de Wet from De Wet de Villiers Insurance Brokers initiated the formation of a task group comprising all relevant stakeholders associated with the Olifantsnek Dam.
The group included representatives from the Department of Water and Sanitation, Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), the Olifantsnek Yacht Club, the local fishing club and surrounding farmers.
The first priority was to raise public awareness and to set a crocodile trap as soon as possible in response to reports of a large crocodile.
Damage Causing Animal Official, Vasti Botha from DEDECT, and student Chané Oberholzer played a pivotal role in securing the necessary equipment, while local farmer Shanneth Wenhold co-ordinated the collection of the cage.
Thomas Wenhold from Duco generously provided the bait used in the trap. The trap was set early on Friday morning.
Although no crocodile was captured, the team caught an exceptionally large catfish, proving that the cage was functioning effectively. The next phase involved assessing the actual extent of the crocodile presence. Specialists Xander Combrink and Fortunate Davhana from the Tshwane University of Technology, Department of Nature Conservation, were brought on board to provide expert assistance.
A nocturnal survey was conducted on Monday evening using spotlights, as crocodiles are known to be more active at night. Outstanding local support was received from Loutjie Louwies, Protea angler and owner of Signature Series Fishing Products. Additional assistance was offered by the Olifantsnek Yacht Club management, including John Fourie, Morne Graham and Thomas Schlotfeldt. Not only were crocodiles positively identified in the dam, but three were captured using nets from boats, exceeding the team’s expectations. All the crocodiles that were captured have since been safely relocated and released into the Pilanesberg Nature Reserve - a secure and suitable natural habitat.
The findings were twofold
The bad news: Crocodiles are indeed present in the Olifantsnek Dam.
The good news: The number of crocodiles appears to be limited and no large or dangerous specimens were identified during the investigation.
The origins of the crocodiles remain unclear and are still under investigation. The task team extends sincere gratitude to all individuals and organisations who contributed to this operation. Special thanks are extended to the Department of Water and Sanitation for granting access to the dam. This initiative stands as a shining example of collaboration between multiple stakeholders resulting in meaningful results.
