Justicia Shipena
Environment, Forestry and Tourism minister Indileni Daniel says her ministry will assess whether preventative measures can be taken along the Chobe River following the death of 90 buffaloes in a stampede.
The incident happened on 23 September when a herd of buffaloes, chased by lions in Botswana’s Chobe National Park, tried to cross into Namibia.
At the steep riverbank, the animals fell on each other and drowned. Fishermen discovered the carcasses in the early morning.
Daniel said the assessment will focus on the riverside where the incident occurred but warned against altering the landscape.
“Our intention is not to modify the river system, as such intervention could lead to other environmental harm,” she told parliament on Thursday.
“This is a natural occurrence and is not a human error. It has happened three times in the past five years at the same location,” she said.
In 2023, about 117 buffaloes drowned at the same spot after being chased by lions from Botswana.
In 2018, around 400 died in one of the worst cases recorded when they ran into the river, which flows through Botswana’s Chobe National Park.
“Putting a fence between these countries is not on the table. This is part of the ecological system and, while unfortunate, it is something we must deal with,” she said.
Daniel said the ministry authorised the distribution of meat to local communities through conservancies.
Officials and the Namibian Police supervised the process.
“It is important to note that the meat is strictly for personal consumption and not for sale. On 23 September, it was regulated, and we urge all beneficiaries to respect the governing of the sale and transport,” she said.
She added that the buffalo population in the northeastern part of Namibia stands at about 11,900.
Parliamentarian Lilian Lutuhezi asked if the buffalo meat had been tested for safety before distribution.
Daniel said she had not yet received the full report but trusted the expertise of technical staff.
“We have professional people who deal with the situation. I rely on the information they provide and their expertise when it comes to wildlife and how to treat them,” she said.
