Elephant kills tourist in Hwange

A local tourist, Stephene Coetzee was trampled to death yesterday by a suspected female elephant in Hwange National Park.

Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority Spokesperson, Caroline Washayamoyo said Coetzee was in company of his brother, Christian and a female friend when the accident happened.

Washayamoyo said the trio, all from Bulawayo, entered Hwange National Park through Sinamatela and had intended to exit through the main camp gate.

It is alleged that six kilometres after Guvalala platform, the trio came across a herd of elephants and the now deceased is alleged to have disembarked from the vehicle to take pictures unbeknown to him that there was yet another elephant which was yet to cross the road.

Washayamoyo added that it is at this point that the female elephant appeared from the blind side attacking and killing Stephen on the spot.

A report was quickly made to the police in Dete and the deceased's body has been taken to Hwange Colliery mortuary for a post mortem.

Elephant kills tourist in Hwange (07/08/16)