Avid Lion-Killer, Trophy Hunter Shot To Death In South African Safari

An infamous animal game hunter in South Africa who has been denounced by multiple animal rights groups for the number of animals that he has killed was found dead on Wednesday, June 8, in what has been described as an “execution style” murder.

Riaan Naude, a 55-year-old man who heads the hunting organization Pro Hunt Africa, was found dead in Marken Road, Limpopo after his vehicle reportedly overheated and was shot in cold blood by two suspects driving a white Nissan pickup truck, according to the New York Post.

South African Police Service spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mamphaswa Seabi claimed that Naude appeared to be on his way to hunt when he was first stopped by authorities, while Twitter account Xpose Trophy Killing claimed that he was shot “execution style” by an unknown suspect, the Daily Mail reported.

“The man was lying with his face up and there was blood on his head and face,” Seabi said. “Police found two hunting rifles, ammunition, clothes, water, whiskey and pajamas in the deceased's [pick up truck]. It looks like he was on his way to go hunting.”

Anti-rhino poaching non-profit Heritage Protection Group appeared to back up the claim that he was killed by two suspects who left him for dead afterward. They also said that a nearby cattle herder had heard the gunshot that killed Naude.

“According to eyewitnesses, a white [pickup truck] stopped next to the man and shot him in cold blood at a short distance, after which the two suspects got out and presumably just look a pistol,” they said. “The suspects then jumped into the vehicle and raced in the direction of Marken.”

The motive for the crime remains unknown, and South African Police have yet to comment more on the situation. It is unclear as well if the killing is related to Naude’s background as a big-game hunter.

Naude was notorious for his big-game hunting in South Africa. He would often post pictures of the animals he killed on social media, and he personally runs a business that allows tourists to hunt game and other animals in a safari-type adventure.