South African hunter ‘eaten by crocodiles’ in Zimbabwe

Scott van Zyl's backpack was found on the bank of the Limpopo River

Crocodiles are thought to have eaten a South African hunter after human remains were found inside two animals.

Scott van Zyl disappeared last week after he went on a hunting safari in Zimbabwe.

Accompanied by a pack of dogs and a Zimbabwean tracker, the professional hunter who organises trips for foreign clients is thought to have been eaten by crocodiles on the bank of the Limpopo River.

It is believed Mr van Zyl and his tracker left their truck and walked in different directions into the bush. The dogs later returned to the camp without Mr van Zyl, whose belongings were found inside the vehicle.

Rescue teams were sent to search for the hunter and helicopters, trackers and divers all scoured the region.

His tracks were later spotted leading to the banks of the river and his backpack was located nearby.

Sakkie Louwrens, a member of one of the search teams, said police suspected two Nile crocodiles may have eaten Mr Van Zyl.

“We found what could possibly be human remains in them,” he told The Telegraph. Forensic experts are currently testing whether the remains belong to Mr van Zyl.

The SS Pro Safaris website, owned by Mr van Zyl, states the company "has conducted numerous safaris" throughout Southern Africa. These include "elephants in Botswana to the smallest blue duiker in KwaZulu Natal".

It goes on to list buffalo, rhino, lions, leopards and antelopes as targets for hunts.

There have been previous incidents in southern Zimbabwe of people being killed by crocodiles.

Last year, a 13-year-old boy was killed as he fished to pay for his school fees.