Director of Parks and Wildlife, Brighton Kumchedwa, says the elephant must have escaped from Thuma Forest in Dedza district.

"The department is aware of the elephants loitering around in Ntcheu since a report on the same came to our attention on Monday evening," said Kumchedwa.

Ward Councilor for Mphepozinai, Morris Maziya, says the development has left people in the area living in fear. He is calling for wildlife authorities to deploy game rangers.

"There is fear among surrounding communities due to the presence of the wild animals. Authorities need to act with speed by deploying games rangers to the area," said Maziya.

Reacting to Maziya's appeal, Kumchedwa says his office has already assigned rangers to drive the animals back into the wild and ensure the safety of human beings.