A tragic incident involving wildlife has claimed the life of a South African National Defence Force (SANDF) member during a border patrol operation in Limpopo.
Herd of elephants used for illustrative purposes/Glen Carrie/Unsplash
Private Xavier Raynard was discovered dead near the entrance to the Madimbo military base on Sunday. According to SANDF spokesperson Prince Tshabalala, Raynard had been carrying out routine patrol duties as part of Operation Corona, the military’s border security initiative.
“Early indications suggest that he may have been fatally trampled by a herd of elephants whilst conducting a routine patrol in the area. His service weapon was recovered at the scene,” according to reports by SABC News.
“The matter is currently under investigation by the SANDF authorities in cooperation with environmental and wildlife officials to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the incident. The SANDF has also instituted a formal board of inquiry,” said Tshabalala.
The SANDF has not confirmed the exact cause of death but is working alongside environmental and wildlife specialists to investigate the circumstances.
Raynard’s weapon was found at the site of the incident, adding weight to the suspicion that he may have encountered a herd of elephants while on duty.
A formal board of inquiry has been launched to establish a clearer understanding of the events that led to the fatality.
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