The North West Parks and Tourism Board has warned tourists travelling in the area to exercise caution when travelling around wild animals.
This comes after a Spanish traveller was trampled to death by an elephant in the Pilanesberg National Park on Sunday.
In a statement, North West Parks and Tourism Board CEO Thami Matshego said the Spanish tourist and three friends entered the park at the Bakgatla entrance gate, when not far from there, they had come across a breeding herd of elephants that were feeding a distance from the road.
He said that according to witnesses, the man had alighted from his vehicle and approached the elephants, while taking photos.
He had further continued doing so despite warnings from his passengers and the occupants of two other vehicles.
“It was then that an adult elephant cow charged the man, who ran from the elephant as he was not able to escape the elephant, which was joined by its herd, and he was trampled to death,” said Matshego.
The board said that after the incident, park officials had assisted the police, who had been called to the scene, with details for the investigation.
“Statements by witnesses who observed the accident further suggest that the female elephant that charged and attacked the victim might have done so to protect the herd of young elephants. The elephants moved away immediately, without aggression towards other vehicles, and eventually disappeared into the bushes,” he said.
Matshego has warned travellers to be wary of wild animals during their excursions to the national park. There were rules on how to conduct oneself while in the vicinity of animals.
“The dangerous and unpredictable nature of wild animals is always emphasised on the permits and booklets of the Pilane National Park and we always ensure that park officials and honorary rangers continuously patrol the park and tourist roads when the park is open.
“In addition, rules and regulations of the park are printed on the entry permit which must always be adhered to, for safety of guests and that of animals,” the park said.
The board has sent its condolences to the deceased’s family and friends.
“The board is very saddened by this tragic incident. We would like to express our sincerest condolences to the deceased’s next of kin and friends. We also send our appreciation to Sun City Resort for immediately availing professionals to give counselling to the visibly traumatised friends of the deceased,” the board said.
Saturday Star