Update

MOSSEL BAY NEWS - The man who died from being trampled by an elephant at Gondwana Private Game Reserve yesterday morning, 22 July, has been identified as the reserve’s CEO and co-owner, FC Conradie (39).

Conradie, a husband, a father to three young children and a friend to many, was trampled at about 08:00 yesterday. The emergency medical services declared him dead on the scene.

The KwaNonqaba Police Station’s spokesperson, Warrant Officer Kappie Kapp, said yesterday that an inquest docket had been opened and that an investigation was launched.

A representative of the reserve and a close friend of the Conradie family, who asked not to be named, said all the employees at the reserve send their condolences to Conradie’s family. 

“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 added that the circumstances surrounding the incident are still being looked into and he urged the public not to speculate.

Andries Erwee posted a tribute to Conradie on the public Facebook group, Kalahari-Vasbyt, yesterday, stating that Conradie was an avid supporter of the group and had funded a tree project for it. 

He sent his condolences to Conradie’s wife and parents, and said Conradie was like no other man.

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