Dept Version Is Rubbish - Tourist Hurt by Jumbo

Lionel Budieu, the French tourist trampled by an elephant last Sunday, is rejecting claims about how the incident unfolded at Impodimo Game Lodge in the Madikwe Game Reserve in North West.

- Ruan de Ridder

Speaking from his Johannesburg hospital bed, Budieu said he did not ignore alleged warnings given by a tour guide, contrary to a statement by Thomas Matlapeng of the North West department of economic development, environment, conservation and tourism.

Budieu, from Nice in France, said he, his wife and eight-year-old daughter visited the lodge at the start of their holiday.

He said there is no fence around the lodge and the animals move freely. The bungalows are accessible via pathways from the main building. "We are not allowed to go off these pathways into the bush."