Locusts swarm the Northern Cape

Swarms of brown locusts have swept over the Northern Cape wreaking havoc on vegetation.

Most of the locusts have been found in Upington, Springbok, Kimberly, Kuruman and De Aar. Agriculture MEC Mase Manopole says the winds are fanning the spread of the locusts.

While the insects are harmless to humans it’s damaging for crops. Farmers who are already devastated by the ongoing drought are now counting their losses. The MEC says control measures are being put in place to ease the burden on residents but chemicals cannot be used on dwellings.

Residents have been urged to switch off their lights.