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Elephant gores NWDC vehicle
RYDER GABATHUSE
Staff Writer
3/9/2005 2:25:48 PM (GMT +2)
FRANCISTOWN: North West District Council secretary, Paulos Nkoni failed to reach his destination recently when an enraged elephant gored a vehicle he was travelling in near Kachikau village. His driver who dodged a possible head on collision with the animal immediately caught flu, he said.
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“My driver caught flu immediately after this incident. I think he suffered a bit of shock after saving our lives.” Nkoni was going to officiate at an environmental health seminar for schools. He failed to go to the function because he was in shock. He said they drove in the council vehicle from Maun and took a short cut through the Moremi Game Reserve. “Some 10 kilometres towards Kachikau village, within the Chobe enclave, we were confronted by a visibly enraged elephant. We were driving towards the north and we were forced to stop for the elephant, to allow it to pass. After crossing, the elephant abruptly changed direction and charged towards us.” Nkoni believed the elephant’s main intention was to collide with the vehicle head on. “The driver, who was relaxed and calm handled the situation professionally. The elephant that was now charging with its tusks fully exposed for combat, gored the back of the vehicle near the rear wheel and there was a loud bang.” Nkoni was shocked by the swiftness of the elephant. He thanked his driver for his bravery and control of the vehicle during the incident. “The driver won the battle against the elephant and saved our lives. We were gone,” he declared.
He said the powerful council Toyota Land Cruiser absorbed the shock of the elephant attack very well. “I suspect that the elephant mistook us for poachers in the area. The driver and I escaped without injuries. We were shocked.”
Chobe National Park manager, Obert Gwapela told Mmegi yesterday that the motorists should be careful in the area because wild animals often roam about freely. He encouraged motorists to familiarise themselves with the social behaviour of wild animals. “Drivers should keep a reasonable distance. Elephants are generally friendly. People should keep a social distance from the elephants.” He however said there is no reason for motorists to panic.
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