The elephant that trampled a man to death at the Malelane Gate on Saturday January 25 could not be identified.

This was because there were several of them in the vicinity which moved away while people tried to save the victim.

This is according to the South African National Parks (SANParks) spokesperson, JP Louw, in a statement released today (Monday January 27).

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The statement said the victim and his family parked close to the Malelane reception area when children ran into the bush.

“The children ran past the bridge into the bush whereupon an individual elephant from a nearby herd charged them,” the statement explained.

“The deceased rushed to assist the children and that is when he was chased and trampled by one of the animals,” added the statement.

Shaik Adam Shabir Armed (59) from Mkhondo (formerly Piet Retief) sadly passed away at the scene.

SANParks reported that the circumstances around Ammed’s death were investigated by the SAPS.

SANParks reiterated that the incident was regrettable and unfortunate.

It called on the public to refrain from speculating until the police finalised their report.

It called on the people to allow the family to mourn their loved one in dignity.

“Management continues to offer heartfelt condolences to the Ammed family and wishes them strength in this difficult time,” said Louw in the statement.

Lowvelder previously reported that Ammed was trying to save his two grandchildren who were next to the bridge.

This was according to an eyewitness who asked to remain anonymous.

A family member, Mohammad Shah, said at the time that the family was devastated about the incident.

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He said the family was in great shock and could not immediately comment on the matter.

The victim and his family were day visitors in the Kruger National Park (KPN).

Meanwhile, provincial police spokesperson, Brigadier Donald Mdhluli, said preliminary investigations suggested that the children were taking pictures next to the bridge.

“The victim saw an elephant behind the trees and rushed over to save the children. That is when it attacked and killed him,” said Mdhluli on Sunday January 26.