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The Citizen
39 minutes ago
- 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
2 hours ago
- 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
3 hours ago
- The Citizen
Soldiers mourn loss of fellow private in tragic elephant-related incident
The death of a private, a member of the 10 Anti-Air Regiment, has been confirmed by the South African National Defence Force (SANDF). 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.
IOL News
3 hours ago
- 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.
The Citizen
5 hours ago
- 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
