Soldiers mourn loss of fellow private in tragic elephant-related incident
Xavier Raynard was deployed under Operation CORONA in the Madimbo area of Limpopo.
He was found dead near the Yellow Gate of the Madimbo Operational Base on Sunday afternoon (July 27).
Preliminary reports indicate that he may have been fatally trampled by a herd of elephants while conducting routine patrols in the challenging terrain.
The Madimbo Corridor is a northern military base in Limpopo that borders Zimbabwe and is near nature reserves. It is controlled by the SANDF and is used as a military training zone.
Raynard was carrying out a patrol along the Malala Drift Road when he was killed.
Rear Admiral Prince Tshabalala, director of Defence Corporate Communication, said his service weapon was recovered at the scene.
The SANDF is investigating the incident in collaboration with environmental and wildlife authorities to establish what the full circumstances were.
Tshabalala confirmed a formal board of inquiry has been launched to provide clarity and accountability.
Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Angie Motshekga, Chief of the SANDF General Rudzani Maphwanywa, and acting secretary of Defence Dr Thobekile Gamede have extended their deepest condolences to Raynard's family, friends, and fellow soldiers.
'His unwavering commitment to protecting South Africa will be honoured and remembered with great respect,' said Tshabalala.
Raynard's next of kin, based in Kimberley, Northern Cape, have been formally notified.
Tshabalala pointed out that the SANDF is providing psychosocial support to the family and members of his unit during this difficult time.
He explained that Operation CORONA is a critical national initiative aimed at safeguarding South Africa's borders and combating cross-border crime.
Deployed members face not only security threats but also harsh environmental conditions and risks from wildlife in remote border regions.
'The South African National Defence Force salutes Private Raynard's sacrifice and dedication. May his soul rest in peace,' said Tshabalala.
Do you have more information about the story?
Please send us an email to [email protected] or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
6 hours ago
- IOL News
Prominent content creator accused of allegedly sexually grooming a teenager
TikTok comedian Lance D Richards has been accused of sending explicit messages to a teenager. Image: Instagram. A Cape Town TikTok user and mother has alleged that her son had been sexually groomed by well-known content creator known as Lance D Richards. Prior to the incident coming to light, Richards shared a video on Instagram on July 27, saying that he will be taking a break from social media. Meanwhile, the mother, known as @LifeWithLinzy, shared her account of what happened only days ago, and it quickly garnered close to 340K views on the platform. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Reflecting on her journey which started during the pandemic, Linzy explained how the online world became a source of comfort for her. "Like many of us, I found comfort in online creators, people who made us laugh when the world felt heavy. This one man (Richards) in particular had a big following, was hilarious, relatable and human." She said their digital connection evolved into a personal relationship, and they eventually met in 2021. "Over time we connected, first online, then in a conversation, and eventually we built what felt like a real relationship. We shared stories, encouraged one another, and supported each other's platforms. I introduced him to my son, and in 2021 we met in person." She recounted, 'What started as online fun turned into inappropriate sexual messages sent to my teenage son.' She revealed that these interactions began subtly, often during drunken calls, escalating to sexual conversations that her son struggled to comprehend. "In the beginning, it was calls, especially when he was drunk, first subtle, then disturbing. My son didn't even know how to process it at that time; he thought maybe he (Richards) was joking, but it got worse. By the time my son was 19, the messages became explicit. "I have proof, screenshots and I will be sharing them because the truth matters. So why bring it here to TikTok? Because I met him on this platform and because he has a large audience who deserves to know the truth. I tried to handle this privately, but they weren't men enough to face me. Instead they tried to gaslight me." She said that Richards and his husband used her son's sexuality as an "excuse" for their alleged behaviour. "As if that justifies sexual harassment from a grown, married man ... Sexual orientation is not consent, being bi-sexual is not an invitation for grooming. My son was a minor when this began. This is sexual grooming," she shared. She said after months of prayer, she had decided to share this information on TikTok, but felt it was necessary to warn others about the dangers posed by someone with a large following. "Sometimes we wait to speak up when we feel safe and strong enough. My son lives in France now, making a case internationally has been difficult. More parts will follow because funny people can do dark things to and it's always the people you least expect. "When I found out I was shocked, angry and heartbroken ... This man knew my son was going through a hard time ... You would think he would have been supportive and encouraging, instead he crossed the line ... When my son told me what happen I didn't go public or blast it online. She ended by saying: "This was manipulation and it started slowly with calls, messages and grooming. My son never received an apology, no accountability." The mother then followed up by posting a number of screenshots of conversations which allegedly show Richards telling her son that he is "horny" and was "going to masturbate", among other conversations. The video has now gone viral, leading to various TikTok users adding their voice to the matter. Responding to one creator's opinion video, the mother replied: "💔💔Your words honestly brought me to tears. The love, the care, the strength you've shown - it means the world. Just a kindly correction I just want to share something important. My son isn't bisexual. The person who hurt him assumed he was, and when I confronted them, that was their excuse. "I told them straight: no matter your sexuality, no matter your orientation - there is never, ever a right to hurt someone. This is bigger than just our family. It's about respect, safety and the right to be who you are without fear. From the bottom of my heart - thank you for standing with us and see my son bravery ! 🙏" Lance D Richards has been contacted for comment and his comment will be added once it has been received. IOL
The Citizen
6 hours ago
- The Citizen
Smart surveillance pilot cuts crime and boosts police response
Tshwane metro police, together with MMC for Community Safety Hannes Coetzee, recently visited the Proof of Concept (POC) control room in the Hatfield CID to review the progress of the metro's new high-tech crime prevention initiative. The project uses CCTV technology to detect suspicious activity and enable faster police responses, with plans now underway to expand the network and explore drone use as an additional crime-fighting tool. 'This is to assist with crime prevention and car hijacking to make Tshwane a safer place,' said Coetzee. Security service provider Vumacam spokesperson Alex Bouch said the CCTV project was launched five weeks ago and has already shown promising results. He stated that dispatches to incidents increased from 65 in the first week to 133 by week five. 'This has led to 30 interceptions and 15 arrests, with suspects facing charges ranging from theft and robbery to fraud.' Bouch explained that the system is designed to detect vehicles of interest entering the monitored area, allowing for quick interception by law enforcement. He added that the system also helps safeguard critical infrastructure such as power cables and traffic lights from criminal activity. 'The pilot project is also being used to integrate CCTV monitoring with TMPD's workflows and to train operators to use the system independently.' Bouch said this enables more targeted camera deployments in high-priority areas and faster police response times. Commissioner Yolanda Faro, TMPD Chief of Police, expressed strong support for the initiative, calling it an important step forward in using technology to improve law enforcement. According to the Hatfield CID, they have also already seen tangible benefits from the system. CEO Lucas Luckhoff reported a significant drop in crime year-on-year and an increase in arrests since the pilot began. 'The CCTV network also assists the SAPS with investigations, and we are looking to expand the network further,' he said. 'The system is reputable, and the support from the Vumacam team is world-class, helping the Hatfield CID to manage the precinct effectively.' He said plans are underway to both increase the number of cameras and explore the use of drones as additional crime-fighting tools. ALSO READ: Blanket drive is compassion and care in action Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to [email protected] or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok.
The Citizen
7 hours ago
- The Citizen
Cops and robbers shoot-out in Pinetown
FOUR house robbery suspects were shot and injured in a shoot-out with the police in Pinetown on Tuesday. Police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said the suspects had just committed a house robbery when they were locked in a shoot-out with the police on Underwood Road in Pinetown on Tuesday afternoon. 'Police responded to a house robbery on Oxford Road at Paradise Valley in Pinetown, and as they approached the house which was being robbed, police identified a white VW Polo which was driving in the opposite direction and immediately attempted to stop the vehicle. Also read: Westville hospital rejects racism claims 'The driver of the vehicle ignored police's instructions and sped off. A high speed chase ensued and on Underwood Road, the suspects opened fire towards police officers. 'Police returned fire and a shoot-out ensued. After the shoot-out, the suspects were found to have sustained gunshot wounds and were treated at the scene before being taken to hospital under police guard. Two firearms, a flat screen TV, jewellery and two high-end brand handbags and home appliances were found in the possession of the suspects. A manhunt is underway for one suspect who narrowly escaped arrest. The suspects will appear in court when they are fit to do so,' said Netshiunda. For more from the Highway Mail, follow us on Facebook , X and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok. Click to subscribe to our newsletter here
