Inquest registered after elephant tramples guard

Police have registered an inquest into the death of a security guard who was allegedly trampled by an elephant at Foskor Mine early Saturday morning.
The guard, identified as 45-year-old Eric Kgatla, was reportedly on duty when he was attacked by an elephant at about 04:20. He was trampled and died instantly, according to Mienkie Ramakgoakgoa of the Provincial Police Communications Centre who confirmed that he was certified dead on the scene.
The incident follows a day after reports were received that 14 lions, initially suspected to have escaped from the Kruger National Park (KNP), were roaming the same area.
Departmental spokesperson of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (Ledet), Zaid Kala indicated on Monday that the lions did not escape from KNP but has been an established pride in the area for years.
He said that Ledet officials visited the area on the weekend to monitor the pride.
“The department hereby confirms that the lions have now returned to their usual location. The department also confirms that the animals will be kept within the area. The department’s role is to enforce control where human lives are threatened. The lions have not been of any threat to humans,” Kala was quoted in a recent press statement.
Media Liaison Officer at Foskor, Frans Makondo could not be reached for comment.

Story: RC Myburgh
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