SANDF Soldier Killed by Elephants During Border Patrol Near Zimbabwe
A South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldier has died after being trampled by a herd of elephants while on patrol along the South Africa-Zimbabwe border in Limpopo.
The tragic incident happened on Sunday night near the Limpopo River in Musina, just 300 metres from the SANDF’s Madimbo operational base.
SANDF Soldier Killed by Elephants During Border Patrol Near Zimbabwe
Private Xavier Raynard, from the 10 Anti-Aircraft Regiment, was on a routine patrol along the Malala Drift road when he was fatally attacked. His body was recovered the following day, and the SANDF confirmed his death on Monday.
According to SANDF spokesperson Prince Tshabalala, early signs suggest that Raynard was killed by elephants while carrying out his duties under Operation Corona, a national border protection operation aimed at stopping cross-border crimes. His service weapon was recovered at the scene.
Authorities have launched an investigation alongside environmental and wildlife officials to determine exactly what happened. A formal board of inquiry is also underway.
Raynard’s family in Kimberley, Northern Cape, has been informed, and both his relatives and unit members are receiving counselling.
Tshabalala noted that soldiers working on Operation Corona face tough and often dangerous conditions, including isolation and unpredictable interactions with wildlife.
Rising Human-Wildlife Conflict in Limpopo
The fatal incident also highlights a growing problem along the Limpopo River Valley, increased human-wildlife conflict, particularly with elephants.
Environmentalist Lauren Liebenberg, from the Vhembe Biosphere Reserve, said elephant-related incidents spike during the dry season. She explained that when elephant hunting begins in Zimbabwe, herds often cross into South Africa in large numbers.
A project previously run by the US Agency for International Development (USAID) aimed at managing this conflict reportedly collapsed earlier this year after funding was pulled. The programme had trained elephant herders and introduced defence measures to reduce human-elephant clashes.
While deaths like Raynard’s remain rare, Liebenberg warned that elephants continue to cause widespread destruction to farms, infrastructure like fencing and water systems, and the natural environment.
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The post SANDF Soldier Killed by Elephants During Border Patrol Near Zimbabwe appeared first on iHarare News.
