Tswale relocated amid legal dispute
The operation to relocate Tswale started out rough when he could not be found, but he was later tracked down in a denser area of the Lowhills Farm.
Tswale, the Onderberg region’s famous elephant, has been relocated to a place of safety. Until February 21, he was living on the Lowhills Farm near Hectorspruit. The Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) confirmed that Tswale was moved during a day-long, supervised operation.
The elephant had been living on the farm for several years and was cared for by his handler, Amos Jivendava, and owner, Sonell Joubert. Joubert is currently in custody due to allegations of involvement in the murder of Jurgens Nel two weeks ago. Judgment on her bail application will be delivered on Monday, February 24.
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The relocation operation involved several vehicles and heavy trucks, with a court order served on Johann Möller, who resides on the farm. Möller informed Lowvelder that a criminal charge was laid against all parties involved in the relocation, alleging “illegal hunting of a specially protected schedule 1 cites animal.”
*Recently, Shofeeds served a contempt of court against Joubert and Möller in the Tonga court, resulting in fines paid to the state. A team of specialists from the MTPA, WeWild Africa and Provet Wildlife Services carried out the relocation. The operation, sponsored by WeWild Africa and Provet Wildlife Services, began when Tswale was initially unlocated, but later found in a dense area of Lowhills with the help of a helicopter flown in from Mbombela. Veterinarians then inspected Tswale.
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Simphiwe Shungube, the MTPA’s spokesperson, said the relocation went smoothly. The elephant was sedated earlier in the day before being transported. “We have placed a monitoring system on him for a period with limited human interaction, except for veterinary experts.”
However, some additional information received indicated that Jivendava accompanied Tswale to the place of safety.
Last year, the farm owners, Shofeeds from Parys in the Free State, obtained a court order for Tswale’s removal. The court also directed that no human interaction be allowed, primarily aimed at stopping visitor interactions. Despite the order, there were reports of continued legal disputes.
*This article has been amended.
