A three-metre crocodile has reportedly been spotted in the Vaal River, prompting authorities to put measures in place to capture and relocate the animal.
Water Policing team member Charles van der Merwe said a capture cage has now been installed.
The crocodile is believed to be a West African slender-snouted crocodile. While it is not considered aggressive, authorities have warned that its presence poses a safety concern for people using the river.
Vaal River Crocodile Sightings Prompt Safety Warning
Van der Merwe urged water users to avoid the river until the crocodile has been successfully captured and relocated.
Residents who spot the animal have been asked to report sightings to Vanderbijlpark police or Vaal River Rats.
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The latest sighting comes after other crocodile incidents were reported in different parts of Gauteng and Limpopo earlier this year.
Two Nile Crocodiles Found At East Rand Property
In May, authorities searched a property on the East Rand after receiving information that two crocodiles and two tortoises were allegedly being kept without the required permits.
Officials from Tshwane K9, the Gauteng Department of Environment, the Vereeniging Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit, Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital and the Springs Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals were granted a search warrant by the Springs Magistrate’s Court.
During the search, officials found a black steel enclosure measuring about 5.6 metres by 1.8 metres. Two Nile crocodiles were inside, along with a small blue splash pool.
The crocodiles measured 1.48 metres and 1.7 metres respectively and were reportedly being kept at the property for more than two years.
The owner was not at the property when officials arrived. An alleged manager escorted them onto the premises.
Also in May, residents of Marble Hall in Limpopo raised concerns after a crocodile was filmed moving through the area.
The footage showed the animal travelling between the local sewage treatment plant and the Leeuwfontein Crossing.
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Residents believed crocodiles previously seen at the sewage plant were being forced from their usual hiding places because of construction work at the facility.
The plant is located near the Olifants River, which is known to have crocodiles.
