The chief executive and co-owner of one of South Africa’s premier game reserves was killed yesterday when a six-ton bull elephant charged and trampled him to death as he attempted to move the animals away from tourist accommodation.
FC Conradie, 39, who co-owned the exclusive Gondwana Private Game Reserve near Mossel Bay, was attacked by the elephant at approximately 8am on Tuesday morning. The millionaire businessman was reportedly gored with tusks before being stamped on repeatedly, leaving shocked rangers unable to save him.
The tragedy marks the second fatal elephant attack at the 27,000-acre reserve in just over a year, raising serious questions about safety protocols at the popular Big Five destination.
Beloved Figure Known for Elephant Passion
Staff at Gondwana described Conradie as having a deep “love for elephants and nature” and said he would often venture out to photograph the animals. The father of three young children leaves behind his wife of ten years, La-ida, 33, who is reportedly “inconsolable” at his passing.
A senior source at the reserve told The Sun: “FC was a great guy to work for and he loved his elephants which were his favourite and he felt he had a trust with them but you have to never forget they may live in a reserve but are wild.
“He will be greatly missed by all here,” the source added.
Official Statement and Investigation
Gondwana Private Game Reserve released an official statement confirming the tragedy: “It is with profound sadness that we confirm the passing of FC Conradie who was our CEO in a tragic incident earlier today.”
“It involved an elephant bull and this heart-breaking event has shaken us all. Our full support is first and foremost with his wife and family who have suffered an unimaginable loss and we ask that their privacy be respected as they face this tragedy.”
The statement continued: “The leadership team are focused on providing every possible support to them and our staff many of whom have lost both a leader and a friend and a mentor here at Gondwana.”
South African Police spokesman Warrant Officer Kappie Kapp confirmed the incident, stating: “It was reported at 8am on Tuesday that an employee at Gondwana Game reserve was attacked by an elephant. He had been trampled and mauled by the elephant and the emergency services declared the man dead at the scene.”
Second Fatal Attack at Reserve
The incident follows another deadly elephant attack at the same reserve in March 2024, when 36-year-old guide David Kandela was killed whilst leading tourists through the Eco Tent Lodge.
Kandela, a Zimbabwean national from Kariba, was guiding a herd through the camp when he encountered the last elephant in the group. The animal suddenly turned aggressive, impaling him on its tusks before dragging him into the bushes where other elephants joined the attack.
Concerningly, both fatal attacks are understood to have involved elephants from the same herd, raising questions about whether specific animals pose an elevated risk to human safety.
Educational Background and Business Success
A tribute posted on Facebook revealed Conradie’s impressive educational and business background. “FC matriculated at HS Lutzville, before studying zoology at the UP [University of Pretoria]. Later he acquired an MBA from Stellenbosch,” the post read.
“He was a successful businessman and an ardent and important supporter of the Kalahari-Vasbyt. He is known for financing our tree project, but he also made it possible for numerous who could not afford the Vasbyt.”
The tribute concluded: “Our hearts go out to La-Ida and their boys. Also to his parents who have regularly supported the Vasbyt since 2003. FC was a man like no other.”
Investigation Underway
Police have confirmed that rangers successfully moved the elephant away from the area following the attack, and an inquest docket has been opened. Sergeant Christopher Spies said the investigation would examine all circumstances surrounding the incident.
“The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation,” Spies confirmed, adding that emergency services found Conradie with multiple injuries when they arrived at the scene.
It remains unclear whether any guests at the luxury game reserve witnessed the fatal attack.
Growing Concerns About Elephant Attacks
As the world’s largest land mammal, African bull elephants can weigh up to six tons, stand 13 feet tall at the shoulder, and run at speeds of up to 25mph. These magnificent but dangerous animals are reportedly responsible for approximately 500 deaths annually across the African continent.
The Gondwana Private Game Reserve, which offers luxury safari experiences to international tourists, has not indicated whether any changes to safety protocols will be implemented following this second fatal incident.
A representative of the reserve and close friend of the Conradie family, who requested anonymity, said all employees send their condolences to the family. “We ask that people respect the privacy of the family while they are grieving such a tragic loss,” they stated.
Legacy of Conservation
Despite the tragic circumstances, colleagues remember Conradie as a passionate conservationist who dedicated his life to wildlife preservation. His work at Gondwana helped establish it as one of South Africa’s premier private game reserves, attracting visitors from around the world to experience the African wilderness.
The reserve management stated they are “working closely with the relevant authorities to fully understand the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident” but were unable to provide further comment at this time.
As investigations continue, the conservation community mourns the loss of a respected leader whose passion for elephants ultimately led to his untimely death.
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