Elephant tramples ranger
31/03/2004 10:19  - (SA)  

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Kruger wardens save tourist

Empangeni - An elephant killed the manager of the Wilderness Trails in the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi game park on Tuesday, Ezemvelo KwaZulu-Natal wildlife said on Wednesday.

The incident happened when Fortune Mkhize, manager of the Wilderness Trails operation in the Imfolozi section of the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park, was leading the first day of a four-day wilderness trail.

Mkhize and field ranger Thomas Mathenjwa, who was acting as rearguard, encountered two feeding elephants about an hour's walk from the base camp at Mdindini.

The group passed the first elephant at a distance of about 35m and a little further on encountered a second elephant that appeared to be uneasy with the presence of the party.

Following safety procedures, Mkhize indicated to Mathenjwa to retreat with the party, while he faced the elephant and also slowly retreated.

However, the elephant charged Mkhize before he could use his rifle and he was killed.

Ezemvelo KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife expressed its condolences to Mkhize's family, saying he had been in involved in the trails for about four years and had a bright future in nature conservation.

He was the nephew of Ezemvelo KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife chief executive officer Khulani Mkhize.

- SAPA

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