Kruger Park tragedy: grandfather's ultimate sacrifice saves children from elephant
A grandfather made the ultimate sacrifice at Kruger National Park, dying while protecting his grandchildren from a charging elephant.
Shabeer Shaik’s heroic actions saved his grandchildren’s lives in a tragic incident that has left his family both proud and devastated.
The 57-year-old from Piet Retief, Mpumalanga, was spending Saturday at the park with his family when he was trampled to death by a male elephant.
Shaik, his wife, Nazeera, their daughter, son-in-law, two minor grandchildren and other family members, were getting ready to leave the park at around 5pm when tragedy struck.
Saber Gani, from the humanitarian aid organisation, We Feed Them, and Shaik’s brother-in-law, said the family had been taking photographs at the reception area as they were getting ready to leave.
“The children were playing nearby and had not paid attention to the elephant coming their way. Shabeer spotted the elephant and quickly went to the children because he realised the danger.
“He tried to distract the elephant by drawing its attention to himself. We do not know how the elephant got into the designated area, but it had charged aggressively towards the children,” said Gani.
“According to eyewitnesses, the elephant appeared to be extremely agitated and suddenly charged towards the children who were playing near the refreshment area. It is believed the elephant was uncontrollable because it was in heat. Shabeer, who was well built, ran without hesitation to protect his grandchildren,” he added.
Gani said the elephant grabbed Shaik and held him up with its trunk and then flung him into the air.
“He flung him a distance away at quite a speed. Shabeer was bleeding and critically wounded. He sustained a serious head injury after the angry elephant hit his head with its trunk. But he was still alive at this point.
“The elephant then turned its attention back to the children. But an injured Shabeer was determined to save his grandchildren. Despite his injuries he once again drew the elephant’s attention back to him. When he called the elephant the second time, it charged at him and that was when it trampled him,” said a distraught Gani.
Paramedics attempted to resuscitate Shaik, but he passed on 20 minutes after the attack.
His body was taken to Barberton mortuary for a post-mortem, which confirmed he suffered massive trauma to his chest which had resulted in his death.
His funeral took place on Sunday in Piet Retief.
Gani said they had no intention to pursue the matter legally or take action against the park, “as it will not bring Shabeer back”.
“In Islam, we believe that if it is your time and God wants you, he will take you. No amount of money will bring my brother-in-law back. No action from the park can help. There is no sense in going after the park for answers.
“They did tell us that the children were in a designated area. However, when a bull elephant is in heat, they will go on a rampage. When it saw the children, it charged at them,” said Gani.
He said the family, especially the grandchildren, were traumatised.
“His grandchildren keep talking about him and looking for him. They are struggling to cope with their loss. Shabeer died a hero. He risked his life to save his grandchildren whom he loved so dearly. He stood in front of that elephant for those children. We will always remember him for that,” added Gani.
Shaik’s cousin, Abdul Kader Kurtha, said: “His grandchildren were his entire life. He literally lived and died for them. He protected them with his life.
“He was also a fitness fanatic and used to help at the community mosque’s gym where he guided the younger boys,” said Kurtha.
The South African National Parks (SANParks) said police were investigating the circumstances of Shaik’s death.
“Initial eyewitness accounts indicate that the family parked close to the Malelane reception area and the children ran past the bridge into the bush when an elephant from a nearby herd charged them. The deceased rushed to assist the children and that is when he was chased and trampled by one of the animals. He succumbed to his injuries on the scene.
“SANParks would like to reiterate that the incident is regrettable and unfortunate, but calls on the public to refrain from speculating, until they have finalised their report and to allow the family to mourn their loved one in dignity.”