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US Hunter Killed by Cape Buffalo During Limpopo Safari Trip

LIMPOPO — Date not specified

A 52-year-old American trophy hunter, Asher Watkins, died after being impaled by a Cape buffalo near Limpopo. The safari company involved stated the animal was unwounded and attacked without provocation.

Watkins was tracking a 1.3-tonne Cape buffalo bull, locally nicknamed “Black Death,” accompanied by professional guides. Coenraad Vermaak Safaris confirmed his death as “a tragic and sudden event” in an official statement.

The company said: “This is a devastating incident, and our hearts go out to his loved ones. We are doing everything we can to support the family members who are here with us and those back in the United States as they navigate this tragic loss.”

Reactions on social media showed sharp divisions over trophy hunting practices. One user, Liz Graham, commented: “He deserved his fate. He travelled the planet killing for fun. Hope the buffalo wasn’t harmed. Karma at its best.”

Others defended the industry, with Susan Pate stating: “You people are clueless! Do your research. It’s big game hunters like Mr. Watkins that keep places like South Africa’s economy going. And I’m pretty sure that buffalo didn’t survive either.”

The incident follows recent criticism of retired NFL player Jay Cutler, who hunted a vulnerable Sable antelope in South Africa last month. Cutler posted an image captioned: “Kicked off the Africa hunt with a beauty. Sable down.”

Conservation authorities classify Sable antelope as vulnerable due to habitat pressures and poaching risks.