Elephant tramples reserve's CEO to death

WHAT was meant to be an ordinary morning at the Gondwana Private Game Reserve in the Western Cape turned into tragedy when its CEO and co-owner, FC Conradie, was fatally trampled by an elephant.

- SARENE KLOREN

The 39-year-old wildlife advocate and respected conservation leader lost his life during an incident that has left the reserve community and conservationists across the country shaken.

According to Warrant Officer Kappie Kapp of the KwaNonqaba Police Station, the fatal incident occurred at around 8am on Tuesday, July 22.

Witnesses reported that Conradie had been on the property when the elephant charged and trampled him.

Emergency medical services were called to the scene but was declared dead on arrival.

“The elephant involved in the incident has since been moved from the area as a precaution,” said Kapp, adding that an investigation is underway to establish the full circumstances surrounding the event.