Karibib bee attack kills 3 dogs, terrifies residents
A swarm of aggressive bees reportedly descended upon Berg Street in Karibib on 15 September, overwhelming residents and resulting in the deaths of three dogs from severe bee stings.
Residents reportedly alerted authorities to the swarm in the days prior to the attack.
The Omaruru forestry office under the environment, tourism and forestry ministry arrived to assess the situation the day following the attacks.
They located the house where the bees seemed to be coming from. The house was inspected, and a colony of wild bees was located in an old 200-litre oil drum.
According to a ministry report, the bees were still aggressive, and the colony could not be removed until Sunday.
Investigation launched
The owner of one of the dogs killed during the attack, Sonja Isaaks, said: “Three dogs were killed by bees, and a man nearly died. There are children in every house; instead of dogs, we could have stood by the graves of our children or spouses."
Jurgen Mittendorf, the owner of the home, who was unavailable for comment at the time of publication, reportedly told ministry officials that he was unaware of the bees found at his residence.
Environment ministry spokesperson Romeo Muyunda said accusations of illegal bee farming at the residence were proved to be untrue.
“Judging by the old oil drum in which the bees were found, a lack of fabricated storage units for the bee hives, and no honey, it eliminates the objective of illegal farming,” Muyunda said.
The matter continues to be investigated by the ministry.
Residents reportedly alerted authorities to the swarm in the days prior to the attack.
The Omaruru forestry office under the environment, tourism and forestry ministry arrived to assess the situation the day following the attacks.
They located the house where the bees seemed to be coming from. The house was inspected, and a colony of wild bees was located in an old 200-litre oil drum.
According to a ministry report, the bees were still aggressive, and the colony could not be removed until Sunday.
Investigation launched
The owner of one of the dogs killed during the attack, Sonja Isaaks, said: “Three dogs were killed by bees, and a man nearly died. There are children in every house; instead of dogs, we could have stood by the graves of our children or spouses."
Jurgen Mittendorf, the owner of the home, who was unavailable for comment at the time of publication, reportedly told ministry officials that he was unaware of the bees found at his residence.
Environment ministry spokesperson Romeo Muyunda said accusations of illegal bee farming at the residence were proved to be untrue.
“Judging by the old oil drum in which the bees were found, a lack of fabricated storage units for the bee hives, and no honey, it eliminates the objective of illegal farming,” Muyunda said.
The matter continues to be investigated by the ministry.
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