Two years ago yesterday, an urgent effort was launched by the Pro Elephant Network (Pren) to save Tswale, the elephant being used for human interaction, among other things, on Lowhills farm in Mpumalanga.

According to an article published by Lowvelder, on February 17, 2023, several letters were written by Pren to the minister of forestry, fisheries and the environment, the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) and the MEC for agriculture, rural development, land and environmental affairs. According to Pren, they had no response from any of these entities.

Meanwhile, the Elizabeth Margaret Steyn (EMS) Foundation also got involved in trying to safeguard Tswale. The foundation’s mission is the advancement and protection of the rights and general welfare of among others, wild animals.

This while the elephant bull’s presumed owner, Sonell Joubert, is in jail facing murder charges. It is alleged that she was involved in the death of Jurgens Nel (39), a man who was living on Lowhills farm where she and her life partner, Johann Möller, reside.

Tswale is kept on the farm and is, despite a court order forbidding them to use the animal for human interaction, still being exposed to visitors and tour groups.

In a press release yesterday, the EMS Foundation said Tswale deserves to be rescued and to live a free life.

“It goes without saying the EMS Foundation has continued to be extremely concerned about Tswale’s safety and well-being.”

EMS also claims, based on a finding made by Nomcebo Kunene, the acting senior manager of biodiversity conservation at the MTPA, in March 2024, that neither Joubert nor Möller have permits to keep Tswale.

EMS says its concerns were exacerbated when on January 23 it received an urgent communication from the murdered Nel complaining about the conditions Tswale was being kept in.

The EMS Foundation said it is relieved to hear that according to some media reports, the MTPA with the support of relocation experts, the rightful owner of the property’s permission and the assistance of the authorities, would safely enter the area where Tswale is being held.

“We trust that Tswale will be safely evacuated and relocated when all the conditions are in his favour, and that he will be moved to a place of safety where he will no longer be utilised for human interactions or monetary gain. Somewhere he can live a life as an elephant should, free of human shenanigans.”

Joubert will be in the Tonga Magistrate’s Court today, awaiting the verdict of her bail application.

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