Mystery deepens as elephant death toll hits 170

Tuesday, May 12, 2020

The mystery around the mortalities of elephants in the North West deepened this week, with reports that the death toll has reached 170 and authorities still have no clue of the cause as samples are stuck in a backlogged South African laboratory.

Exactly a month after the first official carcass was found near Seronga on May 11, the cause of the deaths continues a mystery, while more carcasses, of varying states of decay are reportedly being found.

Samples from the carcasses were sent to South Africa’s Onderstepoort Veterinary Laboratory nearly two weeks ago, but Mmegi is informed the results have not returned as they hit a backlog there.

Already have an active account? Log in here.

Or Sign up and get unlimited access to premium articles.

Green diamonds: The country's is increasing its solar generation as part of reducing emissions and contributing to global clean energy targets

Operations kick off at bigger Mmadinare solar plant

Mbongeni Mguni | 7 h ago

title

10 h ago

Molope wins Toyota Corolla Sedan in OLDM charity raffle

Lesedi Mkhutshwa | 10 h ago

Protecting the game: Fighting piracy to keep African football alive

Staff Writer | 1d ago

Mathoothe calls for renewed purpose as Trade Ministry turns 60

Laone Choeunyane | 1d ago

Botswana’s economy expected to operate below full capacity

Lesedi Mkhutshwa | 1d ago

Shopping with the hubby: The untold horror story

Thulaganyo Jankey | 1d ago

Mophato Dance Theatre shines with Night Under the Stars

Nnasaretha Kgamanyane | 1d ago

Deadly weekend demands immediate vigilance

The heartbreaking reports carried elsewhere on this publication of a woman killed in Metsimotlhabe and four family members perishing near Metsimaswaana Bridge are, devastatingly, not isolated incidents. They represent the sharp, painful tip of a weekend that has seen far too many collisions, injuries, and losses on the roads. This alarming spike in fatalities is a screaming siren we cannot ignore. It compels a direct and urgent plea to every...

The Monitor Editor | 09 December 2025

About us

Mmegi is the leading independent source of breaking news, latest news, current
affairs, Politics, Business, Sport, debates, analysis, and entertainment news in Botswana.

Explore

More