A tragic incident unfolded on Tuesday at the Gondwana Private Game Reserve near Mossel Bay, when a 39-year-old employee was fatally trampled by an elephant.
According to reports, the incident occurred at approximately 08:00, prompting an immediate response from emergency services and law enforcement.
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Southern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Christopher Spies, confirmed that paramedics found the man with multiple injuries upon arrival at the scene.
“Sadly, he was pronounced dead at the scene,” said Spies.
The circumstances leading up to the incident remain unclear. Police have since opened an inquest docket to investigate further.
Spies added that “the elephant was already moved away from the camp on arrival.”
Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Kappie Kapp confirmed the report, saying a preliminary investigation suggests that the employee was on the grounds at about 08:00 when he was trampled and mauled by the elephant.
Renewed concerns
The event has sent shockwaves through the local community and among staff at the game reserve, raising renewed concerns about safety protocols when working in close proximity to wildlife.
Management at Gondwana Private Game Reserve has yet to release an official statement regarding the incident at the time of publishing.
The name of the deceased has not been made public, pending notification of next of kin.
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