Known throughout the world for promoting the hunting and killing of elephants, lions and other African species, the South African trophy hunter Riaan Naude was reportedly shot dead in South Africa this Monday, according to local media.
Naude, 55, was found dead next to his vehicle on Marken Road, Limpopo, which includes part of the Kruger National Park wildlife reserve.
South African Police Service spokesman Lt-Col Mamphaswa Seabi told reporters at a news conference that he was lying on his back and had blood on his head and face.
The murder of the South African trophy hunter is apparently unrelated to his trophy hunting activities, a lucrative activity that remains legal in South Africa. Investigations are underway. “The motive for the attack and subsequent murder is unknown at this time,” he added. Naude’s company, Pro Hunt Africa, based in northern South Africa, labels itself a “hunting and Eco Safari team.” The group organizes paid hunting trips for clients.
Two hunting rifles, clothing, water, whiskey and pajamas were among the items found in his car, South African news outlet Maroela Media reported.
Naude had previously uploaded images of himself to social media posing with the carcasses of endangered species such as lions, elephants and giraffes that he had killed.
The non-profit organization fighting crime Heritage Protection Group (HPG) said Naude was shot and killed by a man who pulled up next to him when the hunter stopped his car after it overheated. They claimed that two men had gotten out of a white Nissan pickup and one shot him. HPG also added that they stole one of his pistols and left.
Naude’s company, based in northern South Africa, labels itself an “Eco Safari and hunting outfit.” “We are your African dream!” their website boasts.
The company charges $350 a day for game, $2,500 for a crocodile and $1,500 for a giraffe, according to Pro Hunt Africa’s price list.
In February, the South African Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment announced that the country announced an increase in game quotas. Each hunter will allow the hunting of 10 leopards, 150 elephants and 10 black rhinos in 2022. This announcement irritated many wildlife activities in Africa and around the world.
