Limpopo game farm owner dies after elephant attack

LIMPOPO – A 54-year-old game farm owner from Gravelotte has passed away after he sustained multiple injures during an elephant attack.

The incident happened at a game reserve in the Gravelotte area on Thursday (September 23) and ER24 paramedics were on the scene. 

According to ER24’s Ineke van Huyssteen the paramedics arrived on the scene shortly before 11:30 to find people performing CPR on the victim. “ER24 paramedics took over and assessed the man but unfortunately he was showing no signs of life and he was declared dead at the scene.”

She added that according to the bystanders the man is a guide at the said reserve and had taken tourists out on a game drive to view the elephants.

“After the attack the tourists managed to get him into the 4×4 vehicle and drove to the gate of the reserve where bystanders attempted to stop the bleeding and initiated CPR.”

Police spokesperson Brig Motlafela Mojapelo confirmed the incident and said the deceased was identified as Pieter de Kock, the owner of the said reserve.

It is understood that tourists from USA were on a game drive and when the vehicle would not start, De Kock was phoned and went to assist the group.

“It is alleged that today at about 10:00, De Kock was in the company of tourists when one of the elephants apparently charged the group.  De Kock attempted to intervene and sustained severe injuries to his upper legs.

The police were called and a case of inquest was opened. Police investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident still continue.

Meanwhile a video of tourists who were caught off guard by herd of elephants has gone viral.

The female tourists were reportedly taking photos in the pathway to the water source and the matriarch of the herd chased them away, Edward Themba, a senior guide working for Gap Tours and Transfers told Lowvelder.