South Africans Horrified After Elephants Trample SANDF Soldiers in Limpopo While Patrolling
- A member of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) lost his life after elephants trampled him
- The officer, a member of the 10 Anti-Air Regiment, was conducting patrols in Limpopo when the incident happened
- The SANDF is investigating the incident, and netizens discussed the horrific event
For seven years, Tebogo Mokwena, a journalist at Briefly News in Johannesburg, South Africa, covered a range of topics, including accidents, fires, outbreaks, nature, weather, and natural disaster-related incidents, at Daily Sun and Vutivi Business News.
Source: Getty Images
LIMPOPO — South Africans were horrified and heartbroken after a member of the South African National Defence Force was trampled by elephants to death in Limpopo and was found dead on 27 July 2025.
According to the South African National Defence Force's Facebook page, Private X Raynard was a member of the 10 Anti-air Regiment of the South African Army. He was conducting routine patrols near the Yellow Gate of the Madimbo Operational Base.
His body was found in the late afternoon, and the SANDF is currently investigating the incident. It also initiated a Board of Inquiry to probe the matter. In a statement, the SANDF said that Raynard's dedication to serving the country will be remembered.
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People killed by wild animals in SA
A tourist was killed in January 2025 at the Kruger National Park at the Malelane Gate. The man was reportedly trying to protect his loved ones from an elephant attack when it attacked him, killing him.
A boy from the North West was mauled by a crocodile on 21 March 2025. The incident happened during a fishing trip. The boy and his friends were in the water when a crocodile grabbed him and dragged him under the water. His father dove in to save him, and the boy lost his arm in the process.
Source: Getty Images
What did South Africans say?
South Africans commented on the incident.
Lucky Mogapi said:
"Sad news indeed. May the soul of our beloved soldier rest in peace, and may the family, friends, and colleagues be comforted. I don't understand what an investigation is for. Soldiers work in pairs under the leadership of someone where information should be at hand with immediate effect."
Nicbholas Nthala asked:
"Why was he patrolling alone? Go well, patriot!"
Mduduzi Zwelonke asked:
"Why was he alone to begin with? How did he die with his weapon in his possession?"
Thabo Matshabela said:
"Patrols are done in sticks or on sections, not alone. I smell a rat here."
Leanfer Appel Visser said:
"Condolences to his family, friends, and SANDF."
Siya Rasenyalo said:
"Unfortunately, you can't outrun an elephant, and the only effective weapon is an R1."
SANDF member attacked by a leopard
In a related article, Briefly News reported that a SANDF member was attacked by an elephant in Hoedspruit, Limpopo. The incident happened in August 2024.
The member was jogging around the base when the leopard pounced on him. South Africans questioned how the animal snuck onto the base.
"Aren't they supposed soldiers be on guard with a gun all the time?" a netizen asked.
Source: Briefly News
