An inquest has been opened into the death of Asher Watkins during a hunting safari on Sunday.

This was confirmed to Caxton Network News by Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, the spokesperson for the Limpopo police.

Hans Vermaak of Coenraad Vermaak Safaris (CVS) said in a statement earlier that Watkins was killed in an ‘unprovoked attack by an unwounded’ Cape buffalo that he was tracking. He said they are co-operating with ‘relevant authorities to ensure all procedures are followed’.

• Asher, in his 50s, was a millionaire from Dallas, Texas, who reportedly believed in hunting as a powerful conservation tool.
• He was a managing partner at Watkins Ranch Group – a real estate marketing firm dedicated to the sale of ranches, land and recreational properties.

“We can confirm that SAPS Makhado are investigating an inquest following the untimely death… The incident happened on Sunday [around] 13:00 on [a] farm along [the] N1 to Musina,” Ledwaba said.

Ledwaba said that the security personnel at the farm – along the N1 to Musina – took police officers to the scene. “They were shown a lifeless body of a man already certified dead inside an ambulance. [The] deceased [had] injuries on the stomach and the side of the ribs.”

Vermaak’s statement said: “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.”

Ledwaba said the buffalo was found lying dead nearby, with a bullet wound. “Police investigations are continuing,” he concluded.

Caxton Network News contacted CVS to ask if the buffalo was shot after Watkins’ death, but was told the company would not make any statements other than what was said in the initial statement. CVS reiterated that the buffalo was not wounded when it was being tracked by the hunting party.

“While we understand the media and public’s interest in this matter, we trust that you will appreciate that our priority at this time is with the family of the deceased and all individuals directly affected by this tragic event.”

CVS said it does not intend to publicly share any specific details regarding the event.

“This decision has been made out of respect for the family’s privacy and in recognition of the sensitive and traumatic nature of the situation. In our view, sharing further specifics would not serve to add any value and may only contribute to further distress for those directly involved.”

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