Kimberley soldier trampled by elephants to receive full honours at military funeral

SOUTH African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldier Private Xavier Raynard, who is believed to have been killed after being trampled by a herd of elephants in Limpopo, will receive a military funeral in Kimberley.

SANDF spokesperson Rear Admiral Prince Tshabalala stated that the bereaved family would determine the date of the funeral.

“Private Raynard was a dedicated member of the 10 Anti-Air Regiment of the South African Army who died tragically in the line of duty. He is entitled to either a full or semi-military funeral based on the wishes of his relatives,” said Tshabalala.

He explained that Raynard was deployed under Operation Corona in the Madimbo area of the Limpopo province at the time of the incident.

“Operation Corona is a national border-safeguarding initiative aimed at protecting South Africa’s territorial integrity and combating transnational crimes along the country’s borders. Members deployed in these operations face harsh terrain, isolation, and exposure to unpredictable natural conditions in the line of duty.”

He added that Raynard was on duty with two other soldiers shortly before the incident.

“Private Raynard went alone to fetch his cellphone power bank at the base camp, which is situated close to the nature reserve, when he encountered the herd of elephants.

“His body was found near the Yellow Gate of the Madimbo Operational Base in the late afternoon of July 27. Early indications suggest that he may have been fatally trampled by a herd of elephants while conducting routine patrols in the area. His service weapon was recovered at the scene.”

Tshabalala said that the matter is currently under investigation by SANDF authorities in co-operation with environmental and wildlife officials to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the incident.

“A formal board of inquiry has been initiated. The Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Angie Motshekga; the SANDF Chief, General Rudzani Maphwanya; and the acting Secretary of Defence, Dr Thobeka Gamede, expressed their heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the late Private Raynard. His dedication and service to the Republic of South Africa will be remembered with honour.”

He added that unit members, as well as Raynard’s next of kin, who are based in Kimberley, have been offered psychosocial support.

“The SANDF salutes the fallen soldier. May his soul rest in peace.”

Raynard hailed a hero

Friends and relatives in Kimberley have expressed their sorrow over his death.

A close family friend, Soraya Crowie, said Raynard was about to celebrate his 33rd birthday on August 11.

“Family and friends were shocked to hear the news of his death. He died while protecting his country,” said Crowie.

She added that Raynard lost his mother at a very tender age.

“We lived in the same neighbourhood and he quickly crept into my heart. He was like a son to me and grew up alongside my children as their sibling. My children are torn up over his death.”

She shared that he is survived by an older brother, his wife, and two young children.

“Raynard served in the army for about 10 years. He completed his training at Mthubathuba in KwaZulu-Natal and later relocated to Durban. I encouraged him to join the SANDF, as he was struggling to find work as a graphic designer in Kimberley. He was extremely committed to his career. Under deployment, you are made aware that you may lose your life, but we never suspected that he would die in this manner.”

Crowie said Raynard had previously been shot in combat and lived to tell the tale.

“He bravely faced any situation that was thrown at him. He survived unharmed when a fire swept through the Lohathla training centre in 2023, where six soldiers lost their lives. He is a true hero in my eyes,” she stated.