NATIONAL NEWS - The elderly woman trampled to death by elephants in the Kruger National Park over the weekend has been identified as a Pretoria East resident.
According to Pretoria Rekord, Petronella Margaretha Viljoen (68), better known as Ronel, was from Brummeria in Pretoria.
The incident occurred on Saturday at the Sirheni Bushveld Camp, nestled in the park’s northern Mopane veld region.
According to reports by other tourists in the camp, Viljoen left her cottage unnoticed in the late afternoon for a walk and exited the camp through the gate.
Her husband reported her missing when he noticed her absence. According to a police statement, park rangers and staff initiated an immediate search, and her body was discovered around 23:00. Security cameras captured her walking out of the camp gate and onto the road leading into the park.
While official details remain scarce, Limpopo police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba confirmed that Viljoen encountered elephants after leaving the camp, which led to her death.
He said when her body was found, the elephants had already left the scene.
Petronella Margaretha Viljoen (68) was trampled by a herd of elephants.
Photos: Supplied/KNP website
Ledwaba confirmed to Rekord that all family members have been informed of Viljoen’s death and the investigation surrounding it. “The exact circumstances remain under investigation,” he said.
The incident was reported to Saselamani Police Station in the Collins Chabane Local Municipality near the Kruger’s Punda Maria Gate.
SANParks spokesperson JP Louw confirmed the incident, stating that the matter has been handed over to police for further investigation.
Out of respect for the family and in compliance with legal procedures, SANParks has refrained from providing additional commentary.
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