A well-known trophy hunter, Riaan Naude (55), was shot in the head in a suspected hit just outside Mokopane.
He was found dead next to his Toyota in Limpopo after allegedly pulling it to the side of the road when it overheated, as reported by the Daily Mail. He was found with two hunting rifles, whiskey, clothes, water and pyjamas. A gun cartridge was also found next to the body.
An investigation into the incident is ongoing, and police spokesman Lt. Col. Mamphaswa Seabi said there is no clear motive yet.
“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,” he announced.
It is believed that two men emerged from a white Nissan, shot Naude in the head, stole a pistol and then fled. A local cattle herder had heard the single gunshot and then saw the Nissan speeding away in the direction of Marken.
Naude managed Pro Hunt Africa, an “eco-hunting” company known to slaughter various wildlife such as baboons, hyenas, zebras and warthogs. The company offers hunting safaris in the north of South Africa near Kruger National Park. A hunter’s day rate costs approximately R5 000, but customers can allegedly also request a special rate to hunt South Africa’s Big Five.
Naude was also accused of breeding and selling giraffes to customers solely for hunting purposes.
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Picture: Riaan Naude / Facebook