On Wednesday 13 April, it was reported that from a total of 12 crocodiles that got swept away during the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) floods, five were still missing. However, Ezemvelo Wildlife set the record straight that, not only were the original five caught but an additional two were also spotted and captured.
This means that a total of 14 crocodiles have now been captured.
All 7 were caught on Wednesday night
The animals escaped from Crocodile Creek Farm situated near the oThongathi River. And according to Ezemvelo Wildlife KZN’s Musa Mntambo, a total of seven crocodiles were captured after the search operations – which brought the grand total to 14 crocodiles.
“They have now caught 14 crocodiles to date as of last night. All of them might be captured.”
The crocodiles had no reported interactions
Mntambo further added that while the fear-inducing reptiles were on the loose for a few days, there have been no reported incidents with any residents.
And because the farm is next to the oThongathi River, the search crew knew that chances were likely that the animals would have moved towards the river.
“The farm is next to the oThongathi River. We know that maybe say if there are any other crocodiles outside of the crocodile creek, they would then move towards the oThongathi River.”
The devasting floods have caused more than just a croc-scare. With thousands of people now homeless and grieving lost and dead friends and family, some residents have started looting stores and containers. And since a state of disaster has been declared in the province, law enforcement is also on high alert to prevent any more looting.