Family fears snappy neighbour

2003-08-08 22:51

Nelia Richter

George - A Nile crocodile living on the wall of a dam next to a few homes has become a bone of contention for the Klue family.

They have been living next door to the reptile for 18 months now, and with the rains starting, they don't want the reptile anywhere near.

Petro Klue says: "I've had to have my pet lamb killed because I was afraid the crocodile might get the smell of meat and want to catch it."

With the storms earlier this year, water streamed into their yard. "Who will take responsibility if the crocodile attacks one of my children or grand-children?"

The crocodile seemed unconcerned as it basked in the winter sun next to two fat geese on Friday afternoon.

Klue's husband, Neville, says: "I've been from the court to correctional services, whose dam it is, to the municipality and nature conservation, but to no avail."

They initially thought the crocodile had escaped from a nearby crocodile farm. But owner Heribert Seyer says it's not true. "It's impossible for a crocodile to escape."

Following earlier reports about the crocodile, Seyer says he can hardly walk around town without someone stopping him with queries.

"The crocodile feasts on fish and frogs in the dam. He's not even interested in the gees. He definitely doesn't pose a problem."

But the Klue family is serious: "The crocodile must leave!"

Johan Oelofse of Cape Nature Conservation says he has been given permission to move the crocodile. "It's winter now and the reptile won't move far from the wall."

"As soon as summer comes, I will consult experts and move the animal", he said.

Meanwhile, everyone is waiting with bated breath for the rains.

- Die Burger