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The South African
30-07-2025
- The South African
SANDF soldier trampled to death by herd of elephants in Limpopo
The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) is mourning the loss of Private Xavier Raynard, a soldier deployed under Operation CORONA, who was tragically found dead near the Yellow Gate of the Madimbo Operational Base in Limpopo last Sunday. Initial assessments suggest that the 10 Anti-Air Regiment soldier may have been fatally trampled by a herd of elephants while conducting routine border patrol duties. His service weapon was recovered at the scene. The SANDF has launched a formal Board of Inquiry, working in conjunction with environmental and wildlife authorities, to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the fatal incident. Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Angie Motshekga, SANDF Chief General Rudzani Maphwanya, and Acting Secretary of Defence Dr Thobeka Gamede extended heartfelt condolences to Raynard's family, friends, and colleagues. 'His dedication and service to the Republic of South Africa will be remembered with honour,' the SANDF said in an official statement. Raynard's next of kin in Kimberley have been formally notified, and psychosocial support is being provided to his family and fellow unit members. Operation CORONA is South Africa's national border safeguarding initiative, designed to protect territorial integrity and combat transnational crimes, such as smuggling and illegal crossings. Soldiers deployed in this operation often operate in remote and harsh environments, facing wildlife threats, extreme weather, and extended isolation while maintaining national security. This tragedy highlights the unique and dangerous challenges faced by SANDF troops on South Africa's porous borders, particularly in regions adjacent to national parks and game reserves where wildlife roams freely. Private Raynard is remembered as a committed and courageous soldier, and the SANDF has pledged full transparency in uncovering what led to his untimely death. Post your condolences below, by … Leaving a comment below, or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Citizen
30-07-2025
- The Citizen
Soldiers mourn loss of fellow private in tragic elephant-related incident in Limpopo
Soldiers mourn loss of fellow private in tragic elephant-related incident in Limpopo The death of a private, a member of the 10 Anti-Air Regiment, has been confirmed by the South African National Defence Force (SANDF). Pretoria Rekord reports that 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. 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, says 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 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 SANDF salutes Private Raynard's sacrifice and dedication. May his soul rest in peace,' says Tshabalala. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on
The Citizen
30-07-2025
- The Citizen
Limpopo soldier trampled by elephants while on patrol
LIMPOPO – The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has confirmed the death of a soldier during a border patrol in Madimbo. Private Xavier Raynard, a member of the 10 Anti-Air Regiment, was found dead near the Yellow Gate of the Madimbo Operational Base on Sunday (July 27) afternoon. Initial findings suggest he may have been trampled by a herd of elephants while conducting a routine patrol. His service weapon was found at the scene. The SANDF is currently investigating the incident in collaboration with environmental and wildlife authorities, and a formal Board of Inquiry has been launched to determine the exact circumstances. The Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Angie Motshekga, and senior SANDF leadership extended their condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues. SANDF spokesperson, Rear Admiral Prince Tshabalala, says that Raynard's unit was deployed under Operation Corona, aimed at protecting South Africa's borders and curbing cross-border crime. 'Troops deployed in these operations often work in challenging terrain and are exposed to unpredictable dangers in the line of duty. We salute Raynard's service. May his soul rest in peace.'
The Citizen
30-07-2025
- The Citizen
SANDF soldier trampled to death by herd of elephants in Limpopo
The soldier was deployed under Operation Corona in the Madimbo area. The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has confirmed that a soldier who was conducting patrol duties in Limpopo near the Zimbabwe border was trampled to death by a herd of elephants. The soldier, who was deployed under Operation Corona in the Madimbo area, was killed this week. Tragic accident SANDF spokesperson Rear Admiral (Junior Grade) Prince Tshabalala said Private X. Raynard, a dedicated member of the 10 Anti-Air Regiment of the South African Army, was found deceased near the Yellow Gate of the Madimbo Operational Base in the late afternoon of Sunday, 27 July 2025. 'Early indications suggest that he may have been fatally trampled by a herd of elephants while conducting routine patrols in the area. His service weapon was recovered at the scene. 'The matter is currently under investigation by SANDF authorities in cooperation with environmental and wildlife officials to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the incident. A formal Board of Inquiry has been initiated,' the Tshabalala said. ALSO READ: Four more SANDF soldiers killed in the DRC Dedication Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Angie Motshekga, Chief of SANDF General Rudzani Maphwanywa and Acting Secretary of Defence Dr Thobeka Gamede, have expressed their heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the late Private Raynard. Tshabalala said Private Raynard dedication and service to the Republic of South Africa will be remembered with honour. 'The next of kin, based in Kimberley, Northern Cape, have been formally notified, and psychosocial support is being provided to the family and unit members. Corona The SANDF said Operation Corona is a national border safeguarding initiative aimed at protecting South Africa's territorial integrity and combating transnational crimes along the country's borders. 'Members deployed in these operations face harsh terrain, isolation, and exposure to unpredictable natural conditions in the line of duty. The South African National Defence Force salutes the fallen soldier. May his soul rest in peace,' Tshabalala said. ALSO READ: SA sees 'dramatic' increase in munitions exports in last three months — here is where they went
