Suspected poachers eaten by lions after breaking into game reserve to hunt rhinos in South Africa

A head and body parts were found in the Sibuya Game Reserve – authorities believe at least three people were killed

‘The lions are our watchers and guardians and they picked the wrong pride and became a meal’ (Getty)

At least three suspected poachers who broke into a reserve to hunt rhinos are thought to have been killed and eaten by a pride of lions.

A head and body parts were found in the Sibuya Game Reserve near Kenton-on-Sea in Eastern Province, South Africa.

Three pairs of shoes were also recovered in the area, as well as a number of hunting rifles, wirecutters and an axe.

It is thought the group were looking to steal rhino tusks when they were attacked by lions, according to newspaper The South African.

A police helicopter was called to search for the poachers but none were located.

The lions are our watchers and guardians and they picked the wrong pride and became a meal 

Nick Fox, game reserve owner 

Owner Nick Fox, 60, said: “We found enough body parts and three pairs of empty shoes which suggest to us that the lions ate at least three of them but it is thick bush and there could be more.

“They came heavily armed with hunting rifles and axes which we have recovered and enough food to last them for several days so we suspect they were after all of our rhinos here.

“But the lions are our watchers and guardians and they picked the wrong pride and became a meal.”

A police spokesperson confirmed the deaths and said the items that were left behind would be taken to a laboratory to confirm if the group were poachers.

Captain Mali Govender said: “We do not know identities but firearms have been taken by the police and will be sent to the ballistics laboratory to see if they have been used in poaching before."