There have been mixed feelings after a crocodile at the Albert Falls Dam outside Pietermaritzburg was shot dead, prompting an investigation by the SPCA.

The 2m-long crocodile is believed to have been shot due to it preying on cattle. A photo of the dead crocodile and a description that there was indeed crocodiles in the dam was circulated widely on social media over the weekend.

SPCA Pietermaritzburg manager Sansha Singh said they will be investigating the matter.

Reaction to the killing dominated many fishing and outdoor social media platforms, where emotions varied between anger over the killing and fear of possible future attacks.

Many emphasised the danger of fishing waist- and chest-deep in the water, while others highlighted how vulnerable children swimming or sitting near the bank were.

“Crocodiles were the last thing on anyone’s mind,” commented Clayton Skinner on a Facebook post with the photo of the dead crocodile.

“Albert Falls is a family-friendly getaway; now the big question is when will one of these crocodiles grab a child or person fishing. I was planning a family trip for Easter weekend. Now, I’m not sure, [because] I don’t feel safe with crocs and hippos [around],” said Amith Rooplall.

Other Facebook comments questioned why the crocodile could not have been caught and relocated.

“[Killed] instead of having it caught and relocated. Such a shame, and yet people still wade in neck-deep fishing,” commented Shane Sandison in another Facebook post.

Local snake and reptile expert Dean Boswell, who has had his fair share of capturing crocodiles around Pietermaritzburg, explained that a permit is needed to kill or relocate crocodiles and other reptiles.

Failure to obtain a permit, Boswell explained, could lead to ‘hectic fines’ or even jail time. Furthermore, only a certain number of animals can be killed or moved with the issued permit and the action must be carried out humanely.

“The shot must be done skillfully. We don’t want any animals suffering.”

From his perspective, he would rather have the crocodiles at Albert Falls relocated than killed.

“Crocodiles are intelligent and they’re not easy to capture,” Boswell said.

He also weighed in on the concerns of public safety and livestock.

“The numbers of crocodiles [in an area] must be addressed. Where applicable, the small crocodiles must be captured and relocated. The bigger ones may be humanely euthanised,” he said.

Ezemvelo spokesperson Musa Mntambo said Msinsi Holdings, which operates the Albert Falls Dam resort, had reached out to them to have permits renewed, but did not clarify what the permits entailed.

“We won’t be surprised if they apply for a permit to destroy the crocodiles as they are a threat to their visitors,” said Mntambo.

In recent months, a hippopotamus was reportedly roaming the area and photographed in the dam and a permit allowing the animal to be killed was issued. Mntambo, however, said that they were not sure if it had left the area as no further reports were received regarding sightings recently.