In what appears to be a case of “everyday for the thief and one day for the owner,” a South African big-game hunter was killed last Monday in far away Zimbabwe.
Image shows the big-game hunter Theunis Botha (Right) and his partner.
According to AFP, the trophy hunter suffered a painful death but was “lucky” to have his body in one piece.
An angry elephant was said to have picked up the hunter and then dropped its full weight on him as punishment for innocent lives taken. It was the animal’s only revenge after it sustained a gunshot wound from one of the trophy hunters in his company.
The deceased was later identified as Theunis Botha, a 51-year-old professional hunter whose stock in trade is hounds hunting.
According to a report from The Huffington Post, Botha is famous for his hunting exploits, and he’s said to be an owner of a outfitting company.
Botha was heading a group of hunters on a state-owned land in Gwayi region where the incident occurred.
A total of four elephants reportedly charged at the hunters after the breeding herd felt their privacy was being violated. One of the trophy hunters shot at it before the deceased fell victim.
Another elephant then charged from the side and lifted Botha with its trunk. At that moment, one of the Botha’s partners shot the creature which then collapsed and fell on him as it died, taking another life with it.
According to AFP, his body was deposited in Hwange mortuary after suffering fatal injuries which led to his death.
Simukai Nyasha, a spokesman for the Zimbabwe Parks & Wildlife Authority, told the Independent that the incident happened at the Good Luck Farm near Hwange National Park. The park is known for its elephants, and its Facebook page is filled with images of tourists showing the animals in action.
Image: Theunis Botha
“The unfortunate incident happened when the hunting party got in the middle of a breeding herd of elephants and were attacked by female elephants,” he said, adding that the hunt was authorized.
Botha’s wife announced his death on their Facebook page although the post has since been deleted.
In what seems to be a forewarning, Botha’s friend Scott van Zyl, 44, was killed and eaten by crocodiles last month in Zimbabwe.
John X Safaris added a new photo — with Mitch Hancock.
It is with great sadness that we have learnt that our great friend, and passionate Leopard man, Theunis Botha has passed away on a hunt in Zimbabwe. He was killed when an elephant breeding herd charged his party whilst on safari in Zimbabwe.
Our hearts and prayers go out to his family and friends.
RIP my friend. Days and nights out on the trail of a large Leopard track are memories that will never be forgotten. Those 2am coffee stops deep in the bush with your coffee box and crackling fire will live on with us forever. It was a pleasure and privilege to have hunted with you and your amazing hounds. Keep those Blues running and keep those big Toms on their toes. Until we meet again… #respecttoagreatman #houndhuntinglegend#condolences
