Kimberley soldier trampled to death by elephants in Limpopo

A SOUTH African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldier from Kimberley died after being trampled by a herd of elephants during a patrol near the Zimbabwean border in Limpopo.

Private Xavier Raynard, a member of the 10 Anti-Air Regiment, was deployed under Operation Corona in the Madimbo area at the time of the incident.

The SANDF confirmed that the incident occurred on Sunday, July 27, near the Yellow Gate of the Madimbo Operational Base. His body was discovered later that day, and his service weapon was recovered at the scene.

“Early indications suggest that he may have been fatally trampled by a herd of elephants while conducting routine patrols in the area,” said SANDF spokesperson Rear Admiral Prince Tshabalala.

Operation Corona is a national border safeguarding initiative aimed at protecting the country’s territorial integrity and combating transnational crimes.

The SANDF stated that a formal board of inquiry has been initiated and that investigations are under way in co-operation with environmental and wildlife officials to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the incident.