Latest news with #HansVermaak
CBS News
08-08-2025
- CBS News
American trophy hunter killed by buffalo during safari in South Africa
An American was killed by a buffalo he was tracking during a trophy hunt in South Africa, police said Friday. The man from Dallas, Texas, was found dead last Sunday at a farm in the northern Limpopo province. The victims' name was not disclosed by police but several U.S. media outlets, citing the safari company that organized the expedition, identified him as 52-year-old Asher Watkins. "Asher was fatally injured in a sudden and unprovoked attack by an unwounded buffalo he was tracking together with one of our professional hunters and one of our trackers," Hans Vermaak, whose family runs the safari company that organized the expedition, said in a statement to The New York Times. Coenraad Vermaak Safaris confirmed to People that Watkins was fatally gored by a Cape buffalo. The victim had injuries on his stomach and torso, and a buffalo that had been shot and killed was lying nearby, police said. A statement from police said they had been alerted by security personnel at the farm who led them to "a lifeless body of a man already certified dead inside an ambulance." The safari company's website describes the cape buffalo as "the most dangerous animal to pursue in Africa, let alone the world," adding that the animal is responsible for "several deaths and many injuries to hunters each year." The Cape buffalo has been dubbed "the mafia of the bush," according to Kariega Game Reserve, because the large animals "have the tendency to take revenge when messed with and have been known to circle back, stalk and attack or kill hunters." Buffaloes in South Africa can weigh up to 1,800 pounds and are among the so-called Big Five of African trophy animals, along with elephants, rhinos, lions and leopards. Hunting tourism brings in $169 million a year for South Africa, according to a study by a local university released in July. "Foreign hunters, often wealthy retirees from the United States," spend on average $32,663 per visit, the study found.
The Citizen
07-08-2025
- The Citizen
Texas millionaire killed by Cape buffalo during hunt in Limpopo
A man, who has since been identified as a 52-year-old millionaire from Texas, was killed by a Cape buffalo during a hunting safari in Limpopo on Sunday. A statement by Hans Vermaak of Coenraad Vermaak Safaris (CVS) reads: 'Asher Watkins was fatally injured in a sudden and unprovoked attack by an unwounded buffalo he was tracking together with one of our professional hunters and one of our trackers.' Vermaak said their hearts go out to his loved ones in this difficult time, in what he called a 'devastating incident'. 'This is a deeply traumatic incident for all involved. The family and our team members who were present at the time are understandably shaken. Out of respect for the family's privacy, as well as our staff members involved, we will not be sharing further details. We kindly ask for privacy and compassion during this time while all those affected come to terms with this tragedy. 'Our deepest condolences go out to Asher's family, especially his mother Gwen, his daughter Savannah, his brother Amon and stepfather, Tony, and to all his loved ones and friends. The family are long-standing friends and part of the CVS family. We hold them close in our thoughts and prayers.' The statement said CVS is co-operating with 'relevant authorities to ensure all procedures are followed'. 'CVS will continue to support the family in the days and weeks ahead, and we are co-operating fully with all the relevant authorities to ensure all procedures are followed.' Cape buffalo CVS' website states that Cape buffalo are 'responsible for several deaths and many injuries to hunters each year'. 'The buffalo is regarded as the most dangerous animal to pursue in Africa, let alone the world,' it states. Information on the website says these buffalo are known to charge unprovoked. 'When they are wounded, it is advisable to be prepared for the worst. The old saying, 'walk slowly and carry a big stick' could not ring truer when describing a follow-up on a buffalo that has a bullet in it. Buffalo hunting is thrilling and exhilarating, placing this formidable species at the top of every hunter's wish list!' It is understood that the hunt took place in the Bambisana hunting concession in Limpopo. According to the website, the concession is bigger than 50 000 acres, and a good place to hunt kudu, sable and Cape buffalo. A hunter at heart Watkins was a managing partner at Watkins Ranch Group in Dallas, Texas. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, according to the website, and posts he made on social media. Caxton Network News contacted Limpopo police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba to confirm if an inquest has been opened. His comment had not yet been received at the time of publishing. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on
Times
06-08-2025
- Times
US hunter gored to death by buffalo he was tracking in South Africa
An American big game hunter and millionaire has been killed by the buffalo he was tracking on a hunt in South Africa. Asher Watkins, a 52-year-old from Texas, was fatally hurt in a 'sudden and unprovoked attack' by the 'unwounded' animal at a reserve in Limpopo province on Sunday, according to the professional hunting operation hosting him. A statement by CV Safaris added: 'He was tracking it together with one of our professional hunters and one of our trackers. This is a devastating incident, and our hearts go out to his loved ones.' The Cape buffalo, one of Africa's so-called big five along with the lion, leopard, rhinoceros and elephant, is highly prized by trophy hunters and notorious for its unpredictability, earning the nickname 'black death' for its habit of charging without warning when threatened or wounded. The males can weigh just under a ton and reach speeds of up to 35mph. On its website CV Safaris warns that Cape buffaloes 'are known to charge unprovoked' and that 'no species on the planet has a more fearsome reputation'. Citing some 200 human deaths attributed to the buffalo in Africa each year, it added: 'The buffalo is regarded as the most dangerous animal to pursue in Africa, let alone the world.' Hans Vermaak, of CV Safaris, said the attack had shaken the staff who witnessed it. Watkins's brother, mother and step-father had travelled with him to South Africa and had stayed behind at their luxury lodge when he left for the 50,000-acre Bambisana reserve, where hunters can choose between rifles and bows on hunts priced at the equivalent of about £7,500. • The world's 12 most dangerous animals• Who killed Blondie? Lion 'lured from reserve by trophy hunter' Vermaak added: '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.' Watkins made his fortune in ranching real estate and was a managing partner at Watkins Ranch Group, an affiliate of LIV Sotheby's International Realty. His company biography described him as a man who 'spent the better part of his life in the outdoors'. Images on Watkins's Facebook page are predominantly of him and relatives posing beside the bodies of the animals they had killed, mostly birds, but also an antelope and a mountain lion.
