At least three poachers were killed and eaten by lions at the Sibuya Game Reserve in Kenton-on-Sea, South Africa last week.

It happened either late Sunday on July 1^st or early Monday before sunrise. The poachers entered the restricted area carrying supplies that are sure sign of rhino poaching.

According to the reserve's owner, Nick Fox (age 60), in the official press release:

They were armed with, amongst other things, a high powered rifle with a silencer, an axe, wire cutters and had food supplies for a number of days – all the hallmarks of a gang intent on killing rhino and removing their horns.

The bodies of the poachers—or body parts rather—were found on July 3^rd when a field guide was driving though and discovered what he thought were human remains as well as the aforementioned weapons and equipment amidst a pride of six lions.

As Fox's own words:

I was immediately called to the scene where along with the APU we found the high powered rifle, gloves, wire cutters and the remains of a back pack with food, water and other supplies. We immediately alerted the Indalo (Association of Eastern Cape Game Reserves) Anti-Poaching Cluster and the Police.

Sibuya Game Reserve/Facebook

Many Twitterers relished the instant karma:

Well, like pretty much everyone...

As reported by the Daily Express, Fox is hoping the unfortunate event will deter future poachers:

The lions are our watchers and guardians and they picked the wrong pride and became a meal. Whilst we are saddened at any loss of life, the poachers came here to kill our animals and this sends out a very clear message to any other poachers that you will not always be the winner.

And there were those who were more or less on the same page but not without a few feelings of guilt or hesitation:

H/T: New York Post, Facebook, Twitter