MALAVUWE - Fear looms in villages surrounding Malavuwe, after the recent appearance of a buffalo at the village, a few kilometres from Thohoyandou.

The Chairperson of the local Civic Association, Mr Takalani Tshiruma, reported that the buffalo spent two days grazing on thick bush at Malavuwe. The matter was reported to the Department of Environmental Affairs, who sent a team of rangers to the village. A search for the stray buffalo is still continuing.

Tshiruma warned community members of Malavuwe, Malamangwa and the surroundings to avoid going to the bush. Cattle headers were also informed about the buffalo. Rangers have already erected tents at Malavuwe village in order to hunt it, following his trail.

Mrs Yolan Friendmann, the conservation manager of endangered Wildlife Trust, said people around Malavuwe must be careful because buffaloes are members of the Big Five group of animals. They are unpredictable and can be dangerous if cornered or wounded.

Mr Raymond Travers, Spokesperson of Kruger National Park, said people must stay away from buffalo because any action can provoke it. If a person sees a buffaloe, he or she must report to the Environmental Department at their nearest town.

Last year, two buffaloes gave the people of Dimani Village sleepless nights, as they were grazing around their village.