Community rallies around family of hunter killed by elephant

The professional Namibian hunter who was trampled to death by an elephant bull during a legal hunting expedition on Monday afternoon in the Tsandi area of the Omusati Region has been identified as 46-year-old Gert Andres Jacobus van der Walt.

Since then, the Namibian hunting community has opened their hearts and wallets for the family of Van der Walt.

According to professional hunter Corne Kruger of Omujevi Hunting Safaris, the community had already raised more than N$1.5 million through an auction yesterday.

"More funds will be raised. A private individual has also committed to paying for Gert's son's school fees for the remainder of his school career. Psychological support for the family is also being provided pro bono," read a media statement from the Gert Memorial Group.

"This was a problem elephant hunt with a valid trophy hunting permit in the presence of the ministry of environment, forestry and tourism in drought-stricken Namibia to assist the community in the area," the hunting community emphasised in a statement.

Problem animal

Van der Walt was accompanying a hunter from Bahrain who had wounded the elephant. Since April, three elephant bulls have been causing havoc in the Omugulugwombashe area, damaging fields and fences of communities, after which this particular elephant bull was declared a problem animal.

The hunt was conducted under permit number 213656 issued by the environment ministry.

According to professional hunter Jofie Lamprecht, a tracker and Van der Walt went to search for the wounded bull, which charged and trampled him.

Van der Walt reportedly succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

Lamprecht, who took his big game hunter exam with Van der Walt 20 years ago, said that Van der Walt's son, Jeremy, accompanied him on the hunting expedition.

Community in shock

Meanwhile, the Namibian Professional Hunters Association (Napha) expressed their deep sorrow over the tragic death.

Napha president Axel Cramer emphasised that the hunt took place during a legally approved problem animal control hunt.

"The allegations that this was an illegal or clandestine hunt are not true. In light of this tragedy, Napha is deeply upset by the insensitive reactions on social media. We recognise that much work remains to educate the Namibian population about the significant contributions of trophy hunting to our community," Cramer said.

"A family is mourning, including children who have lost a beloved father."

Napha expressed their gratitude towards the game warden, who acted bravely to protect all other individuals involved.

Napha stated that the organisation is committed to promoting ethical and sustainable hunting practices. Trophy hunting plays a crucial role in conservation efforts and supports local communities, it said.

"We appeal to the public to approach this sensitive matter with compassion and respect, keeping in mind the grieving family and the broader implications of this tragedy," pleaded Cramer.

The police in the Omusati Region are investigating the incident.

Show of respect

The hunting community has appealed to members of the public to "leave the Van der Walt family in peace during this very tragic time" and to refrain from making insensitive comments on social media platforms.

"There is a young boy involved, and for the sake of the family, we ask the public to be mindful of what they say. What if it was your son?"

Van der Walt's brother-in-law and sister, Willem and Susan Minnaar, have thanked everyone who is helping to ensure that the widow, Ronel, and their two young children, 12-year-old Jeremy and 15-year-old Arizhia, will have financial support.

"This has immediately lifted a burden off the family so they can mourn the loss of their husband and father. We are working on the best way for them to move forward and ensure that Gert's memories live on in the children. We are grateful for this, and I am sure Gert is proud of the wonderful community he was a part of."

Environment ministry spokesperson Romeo Muyunda also issued a media statement, calling on the public to respect Van der Walt's memory and consider his grieving family.

"We have noted the very insensitive remarks made following the incident. Allegations that this was a secret hunting operation are false, unfounded and misleading," Muyunda emphasised.

"Gert van der Walt was always available to provide assistance in areas beyond his contract. The funds generated from this hunt would have been paid to the communities in conservation areas to help repair the damage caused by elephants in the affected areas."

Second fatal elephant attack

The ministry has also announced a second death from an elephant attack. A forestry officer was attacked by an elephant on his way to work in the Zambezi Region – also on Monday.

According to Muyunda, Albert Kawayile (45) was a valuable employee at the Ngoma Forestry Research Centre.

"He was found injured by a passerby and later succumbed to his injuries."

The ministry expressed its condolences to the victims' families: "Together, they played a crucial role in the conservation of our natural resources. May their souls rest in eternal peace."

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