BDF, DWNP descend on Seronga as elephant deaths near 300

A high-powered delegation comprising seniors within the Wildlife Department and Botswana Defence Force (BDF) is reportedly touring the Seronga area, inspecting elephant death sites, as the mystery around the mortalities remains unsolved.

In a statement yesterday afternoon, the Environment, Natural Resources Conservation and Tourism Ministry said 275 carcasses had been found although there were up to 356 reported cases. Since the first official carcass was found near Seronga on May 11, the numbers of dead elephants in villages around the eastern Okavango panhandle have risen in leaps and bounds, from 56 at some point, to 170 a few weeks later to the latest numbers.

Authoritative sources told Mmegi yesterday that the high-powered delegation landed in Gunitshoga, about 20 kilometres from Seronga over the weekend and carried out interviews with villagers.

Editor's Comment
Justice delayed is trust denied

Batswana who marched peacefully for 'Justice for Tshepi' demanded answers. They have now received a detailed account of police investigation and a promise that the file is with the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP). The real test is whether the state now keeps its word without further prodding. In his address, the minister asked the nation to trust the process. He spoke of rigour, not neglect, and pointed to 10 months of...

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