Game Farm Tragedy: Elephant Tramples Mossel Bay Worker to Death

Shocking Wildlife Incident Under Investigation as Community Mourns Loss

A tragedy unfolded in the early hours of Tuesday morning at a game reserve near Mossel Bay, where a 39-year-old man was trampled to death by an elephant. The incident has stunned the local community and prompted police to open an inquest docket.

The victim, believed to be an employee of a nearby game farm, was found with severe injuries at the scene. Paramedics arrived shortly after but were unable to save him. He was declared dead on site.

Police Confirm Inquest as Details Remain Unclear

Police spokesperson Sergeant Chris Spies confirmed that Kwanonqaba police were called out to the scene and found the man with multiple injuries consistent with a trampling. While the exact details of the encounter are still under investigation, the police have opened an inquest to determine the circumstances that led to the fatal incident.

At this stage, it’s unclear whether the elephant was provoked, startled, or acting in defence.

A Stark Reminder of Wildlife Risks

While South Africa is no stranger to human-wildlife conflict, fatal encounters like this remain relatively rare. Game farms and reserves are home to some of the most majestic and powerful animals on the continent — and, as Tuesday’s incident painfully reminds us, they are also unpredictable.

Elephants, in particular, are known for their intelligence, social complexity, and strong memory. But when threatened or stressed, they can be deadly. Conservation experts often stress the importance of safety protocols and training for workers who are in regular contact with large animals.

Community in Shock

The Mossel Bay community has been left shaken by the news. Though the man’s name has not yet been released, friends and fellow workers have taken to social media to express their grief and disbelief. Comments like “such a gentle soul taken too soon” and “heartbreaking news for the whole team” have begun to surface.

Local wildlife enthusiasts and organisations have also called for transparency and accountability regarding the farm’s safety practices.

What Happens Next?

As the inquest unfolds, attention will likely turn to the game reserve’s operations, safety policies, and how such a tragedy could have occurred. It also raises broader questions about how human-wildlife interactions are managed across the country, especially in private game farms where staff often work in close proximity to potentially dangerous animals.

For now, the priority is understanding what went wrong and ensuring that future tragedies can be prevented.

Source: Sabc News 

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