Latest news with #GondwanaPrivateGameReserve
IOL News
25-07-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Gondwana game reserve boss killed in elephant incident
CEO and co-owner of the Gondwana Private Game Reserve, FC Conradie (39), tragically lost his life after being trampled by an elephant on the morning of Tuesday, July 22. Image: Facebook GONDWANA Private Game Reserve chief executive and co-owner FC Conradie's passing after being trampled by an elephant has been described as a huge loss to the hospitality industry and conservation community. Emergency services were summoned to the scene at the reserve located about 30km outside Mossel Bay on Tuesday. 'On arrival the members found the man, employed at the business, with multiple injuries. He was later declared dead by paramedics on scene. The elephant was already moved away from the camp on arrival. 'Circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation,' said police spokesperson Christopher Spies. A statement by the game reserve described Conradie as a 'devoted husband, father of three young children, and a cherished friend to many'. 'FC was a beloved and highly respected figure, both within Gondwana and across the broader conservation community. His passing has left the team at Gondwana and many others in profound shock and mourning.' 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 ✕ A close family friend and spokesperson for the reserve, speaking on behalf of the Gondwana team, said: 'This is an unimaginable loss. FC was more than a leader - he was a mentor, a visionary, and a truly remarkable human being. We kindly ask for privacy and space for the family during this incredibly difficult time. Everyone who knew FC is grieving deeply.' François Ferreira Academy, a Culinary Arts & Hospitality Training school in George acknowledged his lasting impact on their students, noting that Gondwana had welcomed them for the practical component of their training. 'FC was not only a visionary leader but also a passionate advocate for growth, development, and the power of hospitality to transform lives. Our hearts go out to his family, friends, and the entire Gondwana team during this incredibly difficult time. You are in our thoughts and prayers. May you find strength and comfort in the legacy he leaves behind.' Cape Times
IOL News
24-07-2025
- IOL News
Gondwana Game Reserve CEO dies after being trampled by elephant
The CEO of Gondwana Private Game Reserve died on Tuesday after being trampled by an elephant. Image: LinkedIn What was meant to be an ordinary morning at the Gondwana Private Game Reserve in the Western Cape turned into tragedy when its CEO and co-owner, FC Conradie, was fatally trampled by an elephant. The 39-year-old wildlife advocate and respected conservation leader lost his life during an incident that has left the reserve community and conservationists across the country shaken. According to Warrant Officer Kappie Kapp of the KwaNonqaba Police Station, the fatal incident occurred at around 8am on Tuesday, July 22. Witnesses reported that Conradie had been on the property when the elephant charged and trampled him. Emergency medical services were called to the scene but was declared dead on arrival. "The elephant involved in the incident has since been moved from the area as a precaution," said Kapp, adding that an investigation is underway to establish the full circumstances surrounding the event. A close family friend and spokesperson for Gondwana Private Game Reserve, who chose to remain anonymous, described the death as a heartbreaking loss for everyone at the reserve. "We ask that people respect the privacy of the family while they are grieving such a tragic loss. This was a tragedy, and everyone who knew him is dealing with an unimaginable loss," he said. He also urged the public to refrain from speculation as the investigation continues. The South African conservation community has expressed its condolences to the Conradie family and the Gondwana team, mourning the loss of a passionate leader dedicated to protecting wildlife. Tributes have been pouring in on social media. Conservationist and group member Andries Erwee honoured Conradie in a heartfelt Facebook post on 'Kalahari-Vasbyt', sharing how he had financially supported the group's tree-planting project. 'He made a difference in people's lives and in conservation,' the post read. Gondwana Private Game Reserve, located near Mossel Bay, is known for its conservation efforts and wildlife experiences, including Big Five sightings. According to SANParks and the Endangered Wildlife Trust, elephant behaviour is typically non-aggressive, but stress, territorial threats, or unpredictable stimuli can sometimes lead to fatal encounters. Safety protocols for managing wildlife interactions are a critical part of reserve operations, and any fatality is taken extremely seriously. The incident brings to light the risks conservationists and rangers face daily when working closely with wild animals. The reserve has not confirmed whether Conradie was following a specific protocol at the time of the encounter. IOL Travel Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel.
Daily Mirror
23-07-2025
- Daily Mirror
Millionaire safari boss gored and stamped to death by elephant in horror safari attack
It is the third horrific death at the reserve inside a year after rangers David Kandela and Philani Sibiya were killed with the elephants understood to be part of the same herd The co-owner of one of the world's leading game reserves has been trampled to death after being speared by an angry elephant. Gondwana Private Game Reserve boss FC Conradie was gored by the six-ton animal as the Chief Executive Officer was charged at the safari park. He was trying to move the huge creatures away from tourist lodges when one reacted badly, and suddenly attacked the 39-year-old. After the injured millionaire was thrown to the floor, the elephant stamped on him, killing him instantly. A Gondwana Private Game Reserve spokesman confirmed: "It is with profound sadness that we confirm the passing of FC Conradie who was our CEO in a tragic incident earlier today." "It involved an elephant bull and this heart-breaking event has shaken us all. Our full support is first and foremost with his wife and family who have suffered an unimaginable loss and we ask that their privacy be respected as they face this tragedy. The leadership team are focused on providing every possible support to them and our staff many of whom have lost both a leader and a friend and a mentor here at Gondwana. "We are working closely with the relevant authorities to fully understand the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident and at this time we are unable to provide further comment. We thank everyone for their messages of compassion and support." It comes after two rangers David Kandela, 36, and Philani Sibiya, 33, were killed in separate incident after being trampled to death by elephants while going about their duties at the reserve last year. The elephants that killed the CEO and Mr Kandela are understood to be part of the same herd. South African Police spokesperson Officer Kappie Kapp said: "It was reported at 8am on Tuesday that an employee at Gondwana Game reserve was attacked by an elephant. He had been trampled and mauled by the elephant and the emergency services declared the man dead at the scene and rangers moved the elephant away to another area. An inquest has been opened and a full investigation is underway." Earlier this year, a Spanish tourist was crushed to death in an horrific stampede in the country . The visitors died front of his screaming fiancee after he got out of his car to take photographs in a South African game reserve. The four visitors were driving round the Pilanesberg National Park close to the world famous tourist resort Sun City when they spotted a breeding herd with three young by a lake. Despite warnings from his three fellow passengers to get back into the car the tourist, aged 43, said he wanted to get close-ups of the six elephants and got out and walked towards them. A huge 3.5 ton adult female cow protecting the young members of the herd was spooked and charged at the man and she was joined by the other two adult bulls who also attacked. The screaming Spaniard was racing back with his camera to safety through the bush to his friends in the car but was overtaken by the chasing herd who knocked him down and trampled him to death. All that witnesses said was left was left after the 30 second attack was the tattered blood-soaked clothing of the tourist and the remnants of what was the tourist's body crushed into the earth. It is understood the dead man was on holiday from Spain with his fiancee and was with two of her South African friends from Johannesburg when the tragedy happened on Sunday morning. A North-West Parks & Tourism Board spokesman said: 'The elephants moved away immediately from the scene without any aggression towards the nearby vehicles and disappeared in the bushes. The guest was a male Spanish citizen who had entered at Bakgatia Gate with three friends and not far from the gate had come across a breeding herd of elephants feeding a distance from the road. According to eye witnesses the man decided to alight from the vehicle and approach the elephants on foot taking pictures.'' 'Despite warnings from his fellow passengers and occupants from two other vehicles that were at the sighting he unfortunately did not heed the warnings. An adult elephant cow charged at the man who then ran from the elephant. He was unfortunately not able to escape or evade the elephant which was now joined by the whole herd and was caught and trampled to death.
The Citizen
22-07-2025
- The Citizen
Elephant tramples employee to death at game reserve outside Mossel Bay
Elephant tramples employee to death at game reserve outside Mossel Bay A 39-year-old Gondwana Private Game Reserve employee was reportedly trampled to death by an elephant while out on the grounds this morning. According to the Mossel Bay Advertiser, the reserve is just outside Mossel Bay. KwaNonqaba police spokesperson Warrant Officer Kappie Kapp says preliminary reports from witnesses on the scene indicate the employee was on the grounds at about 08:00 when he was trampled and mauled by the elephant. Kapp adds that emergency medical services declared the man dead on the scene. The elephant has been moved from the area where the incident took place. An inquest docket has been opened and the investigation is ongoing. The employee's name is known to the Mossel Bay Advertiser, but he cannot be named until his next of kin have been informed of his death. 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 At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
