S.A town residents in fear after 100 Crocodiles escaped from breeding farm

A search is underway for more than 100 crocodiles that escaped from a breeding farm in South Africa’s eastern town of Hazyview in Mpumalanga province.

The reptiles are believed to be in the rivers and dams around White River and the surrounding areas, public broadcaster SABC reports.

At least 50 others have been recaptured after their enclosure collapsed following heavy rains.

Residents of Hazyview told SABC they are living in fear.

“The children like this place. Even the elders come to swim here. We would like authorities to assist us and remove the crocodiles. It is not safe because the river is overflowing. We can’t see whether the crocodiles are here. It is not safe at all,” says a resident.

The Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) has warned residents not to go near dams and rivers or swim in the water.

MTPA’s April Lukhele said the farm owners’ crocodile breeding permit will be temporarily revoked.