Overview

• FC Conradie, 39, co-owner and CEO of Gondwana Private Game Reserve, was gored and trampled by a bull elephant on July 22 while guiding a herd away from guest lodges.
• It is the third fatal attack at the Mossel Bay reserve in a year after rangers David Kandela and Philani Sibiya were killed by the same herd in 2024.
• South African Police spokesperson Kappie Kapp confirmed that a formal inquest and full investigation have been launched to determine the circumstances of the attack.
• Gondwana has pledged support for Conradie’s wife and three children and has asked for privacy as the family copes with the loss.
• The incident has intensified scrutiny of wildlife tourism safety protocols, ranger training and barrier measures at the luxury Garden Route reserve.