Latest news with #XavierRaynard
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
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.'
IOL News
30-07-2025
- IOL News
SANDF soldier trampled to death by elephants during Limpopo patrol
The soldier was deployed under Operation CORONA in the Madimbo area in Limpopo. A soldier from the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) died at the weekend after being trampled by a herd of elephants while conducting routine patrols in Limpopo. Private Xavier Raynard was deployed under Operation CORONA in the Madimbo area. 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. SANDF spokesperson, Prince Tshabalala, confirmed the soldier's death to IOL.
News24
30-07-2025
- News24
SANDF soldier trampled to death in Limpopo by herd of elephants
A SA National Defence Force (SANDF) soldier, who was conducting border patrol duties in Limpopo near Zimbabwe, was trampled to death by a herd of elephants, the military has said. The SANDF said the incident happened late Sunday afternoon near the Yellow Gate of the Madimbo operational base. Private Xavier Raynard, a member of the 10 Anti-Air Regiment, was deployed under Operation Corona in the Madimbo area of Limpopo. '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,' SANDF spokesperson Prince Tshabalala said.
The Herald
29-07-2025
- The Herald
Elephants trample soldier to death near Zimbabwe border
A soldier on border patrol has been trampled to death by a herd of elephants in Limpopo near Zimbabwe. The incident happened on Sunday night near the banks of the Limpopo River in Musina, about 300m from the SANDF's Madimbo o perational base. Private Xavier Raynard was doing routine patrols on the Malala Drift road when he was killed. The SANDF went to collect his remains on Monday. SANDF spokesperson Prince Tshabalala said Raynard, a member of the 10 Anti-Aircraft Regiment, who was deployed under Operation Corona, was found dead near the base. '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 under investigation by SANDF authorities in co-operation with environmental and wildlife officials to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the incident. A formal board of inquiry has been initiated,' said Tshabalala. Tshabalala said Raynard's next of kin, from Kimberley, Northern Cape, have been formally notified, and psychosocial support is being provided to the family and his unit members. Operation Corona is a national border safeguarding initiative aimed at combating transnational crimes along the country's borders. Tshabalala said that soldiers deployed in these operations face harsh terrain, isolation and exposure to unpredictable natural conditions. Lauren Liebenberg from the Vhembe Biosphere Reserve said: 'At this time of year, the crisis with the elephant populations that roam the Limpopo River Valley intensifies. When elephant hunting starts in the dry season they come across the Limpopo River [into SA] in huge numbers,' she said, adding that the elephants needed a well-managed migration corridor. 'The problem extends along the whole length of the 200km strip between Mapungubwe and Kruger National Park. We become a massive human-wildlife conflict zone.' Liebenberg said a programme by the US Agency for International Development to manage the problem collapsed after the US administration cancelled it earlier this year. 'Through the programme, they trained elephant herders and provided all sorts of defence interventions.' 'Deaths still remain rare and at the extreme end of the human wildlife conflict interface, but the elephants do massive damage to crops, to infrastructure — especially fencing and water infrastructure, and to the natural vegetation in the nature reserves,' said Liebenberg. SowetanLIVE
