A well-known South African hunter has died after he was crushed to death by an elephant which was shot by another member of his group.

Theunis Botha, 51, from Johannesberg, was leading a hunt in Gwai, Zimbabwe, when they stumbled across a herd of elephants, which included pregnant cows.

Three elephants stampeded towards the hunters and Mr Botha opened fire with his rifle, prompting a fourth elephant to storm in from the side and lift him up with her trunk.

The Afrikaans news site Netwerk24 reported that another member of the group fired the fatal shot at the elephant and, as the animal collapsed dead, she fell on Mr Botha.

Simukai Nyasha, a spokesman for the Zimbabwe Parks & Wildlife Authority, said the incident happened on Friday at the Good Luck Farm near Hwange National Park.

Mr Botha, who leaves behind five children and his wife Carike, is said to have frequently led lion and leopard-hunting safaris with his pack of dogs in southern African countries.

He reportedly also travelled regularly to the US in order to find wealthy customers to take part in trophy hunting.

He worked for the Game Hounds Safaris company, whose website says he pioneered European-style “Monteira” hunts in Africa, where large packs of dogs are used to drive deer and boar towards hunters who then open fire on the animals.

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Other hunters offered their condolences over the death of the “world-class houndsman” after Mrs Botha revealed what had happened in a Facebook post. Those opposed to hunting also made their feelings known on social media.

Mr Botha had been close friends with another huntsman who recently lost his life when he was killed by crocodiles.

Scott van Zyl, 44, was on a hunt in Zimbabwe when he disappeared on the banks of the Limpopo River.