​South African Hunter Crushed To Death By Shot Elephant

A South African big game hunter has died after being crushed by an elephant that had been shot by a member of his group.

Theunis Botha, 51, died on Friday afternoon after a member of his group fired at a storming elephant cow and the animal fell on him during a hunt in Gwai, in Zimbabwe,

He had been leading a group of hunters on a walk, allegedly on a ranch known as Good Luck Farm, when they came across a breeding herd of elephants.

Credit: Facebook

Three of the elephant cows then charged the hunters, Mr Botha fired a shot from his rifle but he was caught by surprise by a fourth cow that stormed them from the side.

Botha was a well-known hunter in Zimbabwe and often travelled to the US to recruit wealthy Americans for trophy hunting in Southern Africa, according to News24.

Following the announcement of Botha's death a number of tributes were paid on Facebook.

Zimbabwe-based Kuronda Safaris said: "It was a pleasure to have got to know Theunis he was a great man with a fantastic sense of humour we are really going to miss him and our times and stories around the camp fire."

Credit: Facebook

Simon Sparks said: "A legend has fallen but will never be forgotten... It's with a sad heart that we say goodbye to you Oom Theunis Botha. Our deepest condolences to the family. May God be with you all in this difficult time... R.I.P."

Gauteng-based Africa Big Hunt Booking Agent posted: "With great sadness we confirm that fellow professional hunter, outfitter and friend Theunis Botha passed away late (Friday) afternoon during a hunting accident in Zimbabwe. All our condolences and sympathy goes to Carike and kids in this time of great loss and sadness."

It comes after another man, Scott Van Zyl, is believed to have been eaten by crocodile after went on a hunting safari with a pack of dogs and a Zimbabwean tracker last month.

Scott Van Zyl is believed to have been eaten by crocodiles (Credit: Facebook)

Rescue helicopters, divers and trackers were called in to look for the father of two along the Limpopo River, even handing out posters to local fishermen.

After an extensive search, a team found footprints leading into the river and his backpack was located nearby.

Credit: Facebook

Police and animal services later found two Nile crocodiles and decided to shoot them.

Inside the crocs, they found what they believe to be human remains.

Featured Image Credit: Facebook

James Dawson

James Dawson is a Journalist at LADbible. He has contributed articles to LADbible’s ‘Knowing Me, Knowing EU’ series on the EU referendum, the 'Electoral Dysfunction' series on the 2017 general election, the ‘U OK M8?’ series tackling mental health amongst young men, and for its ‘Climate Change’ initiative in partnership with National Geographic.

@thejaytoday