Asher Watkins, a 52-year-old millionaire rancher from Texas, was killed on Sunday during a hunting expedition in Limpopo when a Cape buffalo charged him in what has been described as an unprovoked attack.
According to a statement by Hans Vermaak of Coenraad Vermaak Safaris (CVS), Watkins was tracking an unwounded buffalo with a professional hunter and a tracker when the fatal incident occurred. The statement was published by Citizen on Wednesday.
‘This is a deeply traumatic incident for all involved. Our deepest condolences go out to Asher’s family, especially his mother Gwen, daughter Savannah, brother Amon and stepfather Tony,’ said Vermaak.
The hunt took place at the Bambisana hunting concession, a private reserve in Limpopo that spans 50 000 acres. CVS confirmed that it is cooperating fully with the relevant authorities and continues to support the family in the wake of the tragedy.
CVS’ website warns that Cape buffalo are among the most dangerous animals to hunt in Africa and are known to charge unprovoked. It describes buffalo hunting as a ‘thrilling and exhilarating’ experience, claiming that the species is considered ‘the most dangerous animal to pursue in Africa’ and has been ‘responsible for several deaths and many injuries to hunters each year.’
Watkins was the managing partner of Watkins Ranch Group in Dallas, Texas. According to a People report, he was a dedicated outdoorsman with a passion for hunting and fishing, often sharing his adventures on social media.
At the time of publishing, Limpopo police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba had not confirmed whether an inquest docket had been opened.
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