NATIONAL NEWS - A Kruger National Park employee, whose two-and-a-half-year-old son was killed by a leopard in the staff quarters, has won a significant legal victory: Permission to proceed with a civil claim against his employer.
Mpumalanga News reports that Acting Judge Zodwa Gumede issued a court order prohibiting the publication of the family’s names, though initials may be used.
The fatal incident occurred on 5 June 2019, at the Malalane Rest Camp staff village, where the child’s father, IN (35), resides during the week. On weekends, the toddler, C, and his mother, CT (34), would visit him.
According to court documents, the family and friends were gathered around a fire that evening while C played nearby.
At one point, IN went inside briefly. Moments later, he heard shouting and rushed outside, only to see a leopard fleeing with the toddler in its jaws.
The animal attempted to scale a 2m-high fence surrounding the camp but became stuck and dropped the severely injured child. The family rushed the boy to Shongwe Hospital, but he died in his father’s arms before they arrived.
Game rangers, including Albert Smith, responded swiftly. After sweeping the village and surrounding thickets, they located and shot two female leopards. A necropsy confirmed that the older leopard’s paw prints matched those found inside the camp.
Months later, the family submitted a civil claim against SANParks, seeking damages for funeral costs and psychological trauma.
SANParks responded with a special plea, arguing that IN, as an employee, was barred from suing under Section 35(1) of the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act 130 of 1993.
Gumede dismissed the pleas, ruling that they were invalid and that the claim may proceed.
Kruger National Park spokesperson Rey Thakule confirmed that IN remains employed by the park and said SANParks will comply with the judgment.
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