Kruger National Park awaiting police report following tourist death

The Kruger National Park in Mpumalanga is awaiting a full report from the police on the death of the tourist who was trampled to death by an elephant last weekend in the park.

Shaik Adams Shabir was visiting the park with his family when the incident occurred at the Malalane gate.

SanParks Spokesperson, Ike Phaahla, says the incident is the first of its kind to happen in the park.

“One can’t tell whether they had a newly-born young one there and instinctively, animals, if they sense somebody or something coming in between the parts of the herd, they will aggressively approach that perceived danger to protect their young one. But we are waiting for the full report from the police. Then we can explain ourselves after taking a statement. Our colleagues from protection services ranger services are fully cooperating with the police in investigating this matter,” says Phaahla.