The family of a woman killed by an elephant on Thursday at Omugulugwombashe village in Omusati Region is seeking government compensation to cater to burial-related expenses.

However, the 2018/2027 national policy on human-wildlife conflict management does not provide for offset payments for damages, injuries, or fatalities caused if the victim is found to have provoked the wild animal.

The 46-year-old woman, identified as Klaudia Mwaala, was seen in a video trending online beating an injured elephant and pulling its tail.

Sarty Mwaala, a sister of the late, says the family is finding it hard to pay for funeral costs.

"We are not in a good financial space, and we really need financial assistance as we approach next week when we have to lay her to rest. We are calling on the government and the Ministry of Environment to ensure our safety, especially during the rainy season and also to carry out campaigns on what we should do or not do when we spot these animals. The response is also poor from the ministry's people; sometimes, when we report incidents of this nature, they take a long time to come and remove the wild animals."

Johannes Paulus, an eyewitness, recounted the final moments.

"When the elephant stood up that moment, there was someone else in front of it, and she was behind it, facing the crowds. When it got up and made a sound, she tried to flee; unfortunately, she fell on her back. That is when the elephant attacked her. We were all hopeless as we witnessed the attack. I left because it was too much to bear looking at someone you know being killed, and you can't do anything to help rescue them. A total of three people, including herself, were taking turns to take pictures before the attack."

The villagers say that during the rainy season, the elephants usually come to their mahangu fields and destroy their crops, and they are now calling on the ministry to have guards permanently posted at their villages to avoid more loss of life.

Last year, Simson Paulus was bitten on his hand by a wounded crocodile at Etaka Dam in March and was not given compensation, as the Ministry of Environment says he provoked the crocodile.

The ministry's spokesperson, Vilho Hangula, says the late Mwaala is likely to face the same fate due to the video evidence, but says investigations are currently ongoing.

Should a person be killed by a wild animal, the ministry provides assistance of N$100,000, whilst for an injury or loss of limbs, a victim is given N$50,000.

The ministry affirms its strong commitment to wildlife protection and management and urges communities to exercise caution and responsible behaviour and report any wild animals they see in their areas.

Hangula urges members of the public to refrain from hurting, playing with or provoking wild animals.

The late Mwaala is survived by her husband and four children.