ZCTF Report-The Tragic Death of Steve Kok (killed by a buffalo)

16 August 2010, 01:54

http://www.zimbabwesituation.com/aug16_2010.html#Z13

16 August 2010, 02:41

GunsCore

Sounds like a good man trying to do the right thing in a bad situation. RIP.

16 August 2010, 02:48

505 gibbs

THE TRAGIC DEATH OF STEVE KOK

STEVE KOK

It is with profound sadness and regret that we announce that Steve Kok was killed by a buffalo near Charara on Thursday, 12th August 2010.

Steve drove off into the bush late on Thursday afternoon to try and locate a wounded buffalo. According to reports, the buffalo had lost one of its legs due to a snare wound. When Steve didn't return, a search party went out and found his vehicle on the powerline road near Charara. They found his body about 160 metres from the vehicle and it is thought that he was killed by the wounded buffalo he was trying to locate.

Steve is going to be missed very badly by humans and animals alike. For the past few years, he woke up at 5 o'clock every morning of the year and scoured the bush for wire snares. Thanks to him, hundreds of animals were saved from an agonizing death. Steve never received any payment and very little recognition for his selfless efforts to preserve the wildlife. He did it because he was desperately concerned about the dwindling numbers of animals in Kariba and his only reward was just knowing he had made a difference.

I will always remember Steve as a quiet, humble, unassuming person, never looking for credit and his death is a huge blow for the wildlife in Kariba.

Our sincere condolences to his wife, Trish and his whole family on the loss of a very special man.

Johnny Rodrigues
Chairman for Zimbabwe Conservation Task Force
Landline: 263 4 336710
Landline/Fax: 263 4 339065
Mobile: 263 11 603 213
Email: galorand@mweb.co.zw
Website: www.zctf.mweb.co.zw
Website: www.zimbabwe-art.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=15148470211

16 August 2010, 02:50

David Hulme

I heard about this a couple of days ago and was waiting for it to surface on AR....
What a loss, condolences to Steve's family and may he rest in peace.

David

16 August 2010, 03:10

Kathi

David,

Do you know if Steve Kok is any relation to PH Doug Kok?

16 August 2010, 03:20

KUDUBULL

WOW, that's a tough loss!!!

May he rest in Peace!!!!!

16 August 2010, 03:21

Bill C

I am sorry to hear of his passing, he sounded like a dedicated and passionate man. My condolences to his family.

16 August 2010, 03:23

David Hulme

Kathi,

I have no idea but will find out for you. I didn't know Steve but heard of the good work he was doing around the Kariba area.

David

16 August 2010, 05:20

Use Enough Gun

My sincerest condolences to his family and friends.

16 August 2010, 05:29

Milo Shanghai

Africa needs more men like that. Losing one is a blow.

16 August 2010, 05:49

Idaho Sharpshooter

These guys are my heroes in Africa.

We are diminished...

Rich
DRSS

16 August 2010, 09:34

kibokolambogo

quote:
Originally posted by 505 gibbs:
THE TRAGIC DEATH OF STEVE KOK

STEVE KOK

It is with profound sadness and regret that we announce that Steve Kok was killed by a buffalo near Charara on Thursday, 12th August 2010.

Steve drove off into the bush late on Thursday afternoon to try and locate a wounded buffalo. According to reports, the buffalo had lost one of its legs due to a snare wound. When Steve didn't return, a search party went out and found his vehicle on the powerline road near Charara. They found his body about 160 metres from the vehicle and it is thought that he was killed by the wounded buffalo he was trying to locate.

Steve is going to be missed very badly by humans and animals alike. For the past few years, he woke up at 5 o'clock every morning of the year and scoured the bush for wire snares. Thanks to him, hundreds of animals were saved from an agonizing death. Steve never received any payment and very little recognition for his selfless efforts to preserve the wildlife. He did it because he was desperately concerned about the dwindling numbers of animals in Kariba and his only reward was just knowing he had made a difference.

I will always remember Steve as a quiet, humble, unassuming person, never looking for credit and his death is a huge blow for the wildlife in Kariba.

Our sincere condolences to his wife, Trish and his whole family on the loss of a very special man.

Johnny Rodrigues
Chairman for Zimbabwe Conservation Task Force
Landline: 263 4 336710
Landline/Fax: 263 4 339065
Mobile: 263 11 603 213
Email: galorand@mweb.co.zw
Website: www.zctf.mweb.co.zw
Website: www.zimbabwe-art.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=15148470211

"he woke up at 5 o'clock every morning of the year and scoured the bush for wire snares."

"They found his body about 160 metres from the vehicle and it is thought that he was killed by the wounded buffalo he was trying to locate."

A man who was dedicated in making every attempt at stamping out poaching in his constituency - was he really killed by the wounded buffalo or was it a retaliatory move by poachers?

I find it out of place that a man like Steve Kok would go alone in search of a wounded buffalo (there is no mention otherwise).

IMO the report is rather vague in stating... "it is thought"....a post-mortem would have confirmed the cause of death and eliminated speculation.

Sad, very sad!

17 August 2010, 18:06

mouse93

Update

17 August 2010, 18:26

kibokolambogo

quote:
Originally posted by mouse93:
Update

"Kok, seasoned in bushcraft and tracking, located the buffalo on Thursday and it evidently charged him before he could call for help. His gored body was found on Friday."

Kok neglected to follow the cardinal rule. My sympathies to his Family.

17 August 2010, 18:49

Bill/Oregon

Awful news. Who will take up his trail, I wonder?