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Infrastructure damage caused by migrating elephants from Zimbabwe and Botswana.
Farmers and residents at Niani, outside Musina, in Limpopo, are concerned that elephants migrating from Zimbabwe and Botswana are causing damage in the area.
The elephants have been ravaging farms, ruining crops and infrastructure at farms along the Limpopo River over the past weeks.
A South African National Defence Force (SANDF) member was killed by a herd of elephants while on border patrol near Madimbo last month.
[WATCH] The SANDF has paid tribute to Rifleman Xavier Raynard, who died after allegedly being trampled by elephants during deployment to Limpopo. His funeral was held in his hometown of Kimberley, Northern Cape. pic.twitter.com/aLGKXRfKWr
— SABC News (@SABCNews) August 9, 2025
Livestock farmer, Samuel Nembahe says he and his farm workers recently had to vacate the premises when a herd of elephants invaded their farm.
“It really worries me, when they come here, they may infect our animals with diseases, and this is our business. We sell the cattle to make ends meet. If we have to close down due to elephant invasion, it is a serious problem,” says Nembahe.
The Environment Department’s spokesperson, Hitekani Magwedze has called on members of the public not to confront the elephants.
“Migration is a natural process, but we would like to caution people in and around the Niani area to be extremely alert when they go to the veld to collect wood or are in open spaces. We advise them not to follow our rangers to behold the beauty of these animals. We also warn them against taking pictures of them,” adds Magwedze.
