[Image: Pixabay]
Residents living along the Vaal River have been advised to avoid swimming, skiing, tubing, and other water activities in the area because there have been sightings of a crocodile in this expanse of water. Those who have seen it claim that it is about three metres long, and this has prompted authorities to roll out a careful but urgent capture‑and‑relocation plan.
A dedicated team from the South African Police Service’s Water Policing and Diving Services, led by Charles Van Der Merwe, has put together this plan. With the necessary permits secured and all procedures followed, the capture cage was officially set this week, and the team will now monitor the situation closely, waiting for the crocodile to hopefully take the bait.
The reports in sightings from the community have been vital in assisting this delicate operation. Residents have been urged to stay calm and been reassured that the situation is being handled carefully and responsibly. Of course, this means people should continue to report any sightings and not try to approach the animal because that could be the last thing they ever do.
According to the Facebook group, Celebrating the Vaal River, the aim of the operation is to balance public safety with animal welfare by ensuring that the crocodile is safely relocated to a more suitable environment. The hope is that the crocodile will soon be captured and moved to a new home, bringing peace of mind to residents and ensuring the animal’s survival.
Experts believe that this crocodile is a West African slender-snouted croc rather than the more aggressive Nile Crocodile, and it has narrow jaws that have adapted for aquatic prey rather than large mammals, making serious attacks on people very uncommon. Nevertheless, it is still in the wrong place, and needs to be relocated for public safety.
People who happen to spot the creature in the Vaal River have been asked to contact the Vanderbijlpark SAPS at 016 910 9014 or the national Stop Crime line. The Vaal River Croc Spotters reward has been increased to a R20 000 WaterSports Mania voucher, in collaboration with Vaal River Rats South Africa and a private donor.
So, if you’re in the area, haul out to binoculars for a bit of croc spotting and you could be shopping up a storm for new watersport gear. Bargain.
[Source: The Citizen]
