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Makuya farmer's livelihood crushed as elephants repeatedly raid mango orchard

Unfenced reserve leads to R40,000 in farmer's losses

By Elmon Tshikhudo • 30 October 2025
Makuya farmer's livelihood crushed as elephants repeatedly raid mango orchard

Elephants destroyed a farmer's mango orchard for the second time, causing R40,000 in losses. He blames neglected nearby reserve fencing & lack of compensation, while authorities search for the elephants.

Makuya farmer Joseph Munzhelele suffered heavy losses when elephants trampled his mango orchard for the second time in less than two years. The latest incident occurred over three nights, from 25 to 27 October, leaving a trail of destruction just as the mango season approaches.

The elephants are believed to have come from the nearby Makuya Nature Reserve, which is owned by the Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (LEDET). Munzhelele and other local farmers...

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