Suspected poachers eaten by lions after breaking into game reserve to hunt rhinos in South Africa
A head and body parts were found in the Sibuya Game Reserve – authorities believe at least three people were killed
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.At least three suspected poachers who broke into a reserve to hunt rhinos are thought to have been killed and eaten by a pride of lions.
A head and body parts were found in the Sibuya Game Reserve near Kenton-on-Sea in Eastern Province, South Africa.
Three pairs of shoes were also recovered in the area, as well as a number of hunting rifles, wirecutters and an axe.
It is thought the group were looking to steal rhino tusks when they were attacked by lions, according to newspaper The South African.
A police helicopter was called to search for the poachers but none were located.
The lions are our watchers and guardians and they picked the wrong pride and became a meal
Owner Nick Fox, 60, said: “We found enough body parts and three pairs of empty shoes which suggest to us that the lions ate at least three of them but it is thick bush and there could be more.
“They came heavily armed with hunting rifles and axes which we have recovered and enough food to last them for several days so we suspect they were after all of our rhinos here.
“But the lions are our watchers and guardians and they picked the wrong pride and became a meal.”
A police spokesperson confirmed the deaths and said the items that were left behind would be taken to a laboratory to confirm if the group were poachers.
Captain Mali Govender said: “We do not know identities but firearms have been taken by the police and will be sent to the ballistics laboratory to see if they have been used in poaching before."
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments