Elephant Gored Carer to Death in Hoedspruit, South Africans Mourn
- An elephant gored a carer who worked at Hoedpsruit Elephant Rehabilitation and Development over the weekend to death
- The incident happened while staff members were attempting to clear the road of a tree that the elephant herd had knocked down
- The carer worked for the centre for over two decades, and South Africans were devastated by the incident
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For seven years, Tebogo Mokwena, Briefly News’ Deputy Head of Current Affairs, South Africa, covered a range of topics, including accidents, fires, outbreaks, nature, weather, and natural disaster-related incidents, at Daily Sun and Vutivi Business News.
Source: UGC
HOEDSPRUIT, LIMPOPO — An elephant gored a carer to death at the Hoedspuit Elephant Rehabilitation and Development (HERD) orphanage in Hoedspruit, Limpopo, on 13 September 2025. South Africans and the HERD staff were devastated by the death.
HERD posted an update on its HERD - Hoedspruit Elephant Rehabilitation and Development Facebook page. HERD reported that an elephant named Limpopo knocked a tree over in the afternoon. A group of carers was dispatched to clear the road. The staff members went to fetch additional help.
Israel Shambira, the victim, was seated nearby when Limpopo inexplicably attacked Israel. Limpopo gored him fatally, and he was later declared dead. HERD said that the incident is under investigation.
HERD staff devadated
Israel's co-workers were shaken by the incident and expressed their grief. The Elephant Manager, Tigere Matipedza, said that Limpopo showed no signs of agitation. HERD praised Isrsel as a dedicated man of faith and dedication to his work at HERD.
"Trusted, dependable, and deeply respected, Israel was always ready to assist beyond his duties. He often walked with Sebakwe, another elder of the herd, in quiet companionship at the close of each day, symbolic of the wisdom and calm he brought to our community," HERD said.
Fatal elephant attacks in 2025
Tributes poured in for the CEO of Gondwana Private Game Reserve, FC Conradie, who was killed by an elephant on 22 July 2025. Conradie was on the property when the elephant charged at him and trampled him. He was declared dead shortly after the emergency services arrived on the scene.
A South African National Defence Force member was trampled to death by an elephant on 27 July 2025. The soldier, a member of the Anti-air Regiment, was patrolling near the Yellow Gate of the Madimbo Operational Base when the incident happened.
Source: Getty Images
South Africans devastated
Netizens commenting on Facebook were heartbroken.
Lucy Everett said:
"How absolutely heartbreaking. I wonder if, for some reason you're aware of, that Limpopo viewed Israel as a threat of some sort."
Renee Owens said:
"I always say wildlife are utterly predictable insofar as they will eventually be unpredictable."
Vallrie Sweeney said:
"This is tragic. In all likelihood, the elephant was riled up over something that happened, and she just acted out."
Sonia Boening said:
"I hope they provide financial support to his family."
Vicki Kirshweng said:
"Maybe he caught the elephant off guard and frightened it."
Elephant kills tourist
In a related article, Briefly News reported that an elephant killed a tourist who was defending his grandchildren during an attack. The incident happened at the Kruger National Park in January.
The victim and his family parked at the reception area when the kids ran off past the bridge into a bush. A nearby elephant charged at them, and it is not certain how the victim died.
Source: Briefly News
