LOCAL TOURIST KILLED BY ELEPHANT AT KRUGER NATIONAL PARK WHILE HELPING CHILDREN
Written by Neo Molefi on January 29, 2025
Written by: Selaki Ledwaba
The South African National Parks (SANParks) has handed over the investigation into the death of a 56-year-old male tourist at Kruger National Park to the South African Police Service after an elephant trampled him.
In a statement, SANParks confirmed the death of Shaik Adam Shabir Ammed, Saturday the 25th of January.
SANParks spokesperson, JP Louw, said eyewitness accounts indicate that the family parked close to the Malelane reception area and the children ran past the bridge into the bush whereupon an individual elephant from a nearby herd charged at them.
“The deceased rushed to assist the children and that is when he was chased and trampled by one of the animals. He succumbed to his injuries on the scene,” said Louw.
Louw adds that the elephant responsible for the incident was not identified on the day, as there were other elephants in the vicinity.
He adds that immediately after the incident, the elephants were moved while people present tried to save Ammed.
“SANParks would like to reiterate that the incident is a regrettable and unfortunate one, but calls on the public to refrain from speculating, until the police have finalised their report and to allow the family to mourn their loved one in dignity,” said Louw
“Events leading up to the incident are currently under investigation. Due to the sensitivity of this matter, we appeal to the public to refrain from posting any pictures or videos of the incident and victim.”