SowetanLive reports that a SA National Defence Force (SANDF) soldier on border patrol has been trampled to death by a herd of elephants in Limpopo near Zimbabwe.

The incident happened on Sunday night near the banks of the Limpopo River in Musina, about 300m from the SANDF’s Madimbo operational base. Private Xavier Raynard was doing routine patrols on the Malala Drift road when he was killed. SANDF spokesperson Prince Tshabalala said Raynard, a member of the 10 Anti-Aircraft Regiment, who was deployed under Operation Corona, was found dead near the base. “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.

The matter is 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,” said Tshabalala. He added that Raynard’s next of kin, from Kimberley, had been formally notified, and psychosocial support was being provided to the family and his unit members.

• Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Chris Gilili at TimesLIVE

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