Residents of Mukwe Constituency in the Kavango East Region are calling for immediate action regarding the rising threat of crocodile attacks in their communities. 

They say if the government does not take action, then they will be forced to take their own drastic measures. 

During a demonstration at Kamutjonga Village, Mukwe, the residents demanded proactive steps to reduce the risks of human-crocodile conflict. 

They say their communities have experienced a loss of human lives, an increase in close calls and a loss of livestock. They stressed that the presence of crocodiles in areas frequently used by humans for fishing, swimming, and bathing creates a dangerous and unacceptable risk.

Anton Mukoya, a resident of the village, explained that "We recently lost the lives of two people in a span of a month from crocodile attacks. We demand decisive action from the government, as this situation has reached a critical point."

The residents say the government is failing to provide them with water. 

"It is saddening to be subjected to this cruel treatment by our own government. You don't provide us with water, yet when we use the only source of water to maintain our body hygiene and fetch water for our consumption, the ministry classifies such activities as recreational."

In their petition, the residents asked the government for enhanced public education and awareness campaigns, as well as regular targeted wildlife management, including the use of underwater drones and radar-monitored perimeters with a siren. 

They also want the government to invest in physical safety barriers in designated areas, and they are asking law enforcement to increase patrols in high-risk areas. 

They are also calling for the compensation law to be amended by declassifying swimming, bathing and fetching water from the river as recreational activities rather than as a necessity. 

Locals say they have had enough and want to be compensated for all those who lost their lives or were injured from wild animal attacks. 

They are now threatening to take serious action if their demands are not met. 

"We will organise a local group to engage in self-protection action to eliminate any conflict-related wildlife threats. This will include killing any wildlife that poses a threat to our communities. We will engage the UN Human Rights Council to seek legal recourse under a human rights abuse claim," they say.

The petition was received by Damian Maghambayi, Mukwe Constituency Regional Councillor. 

"This is one of the most touching petitions I have ever received in the constituency so far. This demonstrates the pain the community is suffering. This petition will be delivered at the office of the Ministry of Environment."