A trophy hunter who killed lions and elephants has been found dead next to his car in South Africa. WARNING: Disturbing images.
WARNING: Disturbing images
A trophy hunter has been found shot dead in South Africa after his truck broke down, according to reports.
Riaan Naude, 55, who was the head of Pro Hunt Africa, regularly shared photos of him with his killings, which included lions and elephants.
His body was found next to his vehicle on Marken Road, Limpopo. Police said they have not yet found any reason New York Post reports.
Two hunting rifles, as well as ammunition, clothing, water and whiskey were found in Mr Naude’s car near the Kruger National Park wildlife reserve, local channel Maroela Media reported.
The Heritage Protection Group (HPG), a non-profit organization that aims to prevent and investigate serious crime, said Naude had stopped on the side of the road after his car overheated to about 5 p.m. km from Mokopane.
He claimed that then a white Nissan was seen stopping next to the vehicle. Then two men came out and one allegedly shot Mr. Naude at close range. Metro UK reports.
HPG claimed the men stole one of Mr Naude’s weapons and fled the scene.
Police confirmed Mr. Naude was shot dead, according to reports.
Lieutenant Colonel Police Mamphaswa Seabi said officers found Mr Naude’s body “lying face up” with “blood on his head and face”, according to various media reports.
“The motive for the attack and the subsequent assassination is unknown at this time,” Lieutenant Colonel Seabi said.
According to police, a rancher heard a shot and witnessed a Nissan truck pulling away at high speed.
The company of Mr. Naude, based in North South Africa, self-labels itself as an “eco-friendly hunting and safari team” for tourists.
“We are your African dream,” the website boasts. The business charges $ 500 a day for game hunting, $ 3,600 for crocodile and $ 2,200 for giraffe, according to the Pro Hunt Africa price list.
This story originally appeared in the New York Post and was republished with permission