A prolific trophy hunter who slaughtered lions, giraffes and elephants in South Africa has been shot dead at point blank range after his truck broke down.
Riaan Naude, 55, ran the company Pro Hunt Africa which boasts of its ‘eco-hunting’ while sharing gruesome pictures of dead endangered animals.
He was found dead next to his Toyota in Limpopo after pulling it to the side of the road when it overheated.
A witness said two men emerged from a white Nissan, shot him in the head, stole a pistol and then fled.
Naude was discovered along with two hunting rifles, whiskey, clothes, water and pyjamas.
Police spokesman Lt. Col. Mamphaswa Seabi said they have not yet established a motive.
He said: ‘The man was lying with his face up and there was blood on his head and face.
‘The motive for the attack and the subsequent murder is unknown at this stage.’
A local cattle herder had heard the single gunshot and then saw the Nissan speeding away towards Marken.
A gun cartridge was found next to the body.
Naude’s company offered hunting safaris in the north of South Africa near Kruger National Park.
A hunter’s day rate costs £250, and customers can enquire for a special rate to hunt the so-called Big Five of lion, leopard, black rhinoceros, African bush elephant and African buffalo.
Other animals offered by Pro Hunt Africa include baboons, hyenas, zebras and warthogs.
Non-profit organisation Protect All Wildlife claimed Naude was involved in breeding and selling giraffes to customers solely for hunting purposes.
Lead Image: A prolific trophy hunter who slaughtered lions, giraffes and elephants in South Africa has been shot dead at point blank range after his truck broke down.
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