A 39-year-old man has been trampled to death by an elephant near Mossel Bay.

The incident happened at the Gondwana Game Reserve on Tuesday, 22 July.

The victim was an employee at the reserve and was out on the grounds at the time of the incident, at around 08:00.

The KwaNonqaba Police Station has told local media that the man was trampled and mauled by the elephant. Southern Cape SAPS spokesperson, Chris Spies, confirmed that the victim had sustained multiple injuries.

He was later found by police and declared dead on the scene by emergency medical personnel.

An inquest docket has been opened for further investigation.

“Circumstances surrounding the incident is under investigation,” said Spies.

Spies noted that the elephant involved had already been removed from the immediate area by the time authorities arrived.

“The elephant was already moved away from the camp on arrival.”

The name of the deceased is being withheld until next of kin have been notified.

Meanwhile, Priscilla Taylor, Sales Manager of the Gondwana Private Nature Reserve, declined to provide further details or comment.

“At this stage we are not at liberty to give out any information,” said Taylor.

The Gondwana Private Game Reserve, located just outside Mossel Bay, has not yet released an official statement regarding the fatal incident.

This article has been updated to include additional information and comment from the Gondwana Private Nature Reserve.