A human skull and pants found in the Kruger National Park is believed to be that of a man reportedly killed by an elephant while poaching with his accomplices.

Officials with the Komatipoort South African Police Service say it received information about rhino poachers in the national park at night on April 1. An elephant attacked, killing one of the poachers. His accomplices reportedly carried his body to the road to be retrieved in the morning before leaving.

Police Service said the dead man's family was informed about the attack and police were alerted. A search operation was launched by police and Rangers in the area but they were unable to find the body. The search resumed the following morning.

Kruger National Park officials and police found the skull and pants. According to the South Africa National Parks media release, "indications found at the scene suggested that a pride of lions had devoured the remains leaving only a human skull and a pair of pants."

Glenn Phillips, Managing Executive of the KNP, commended the search party for helping the family find closure and extended his condolences to the relatives of the deceased.

“Entering Kruger National Park illegally and on foot is not wise, it holds many dangers and this incident is evidence of that," Phillips said. "It is very sad to see the daughters of the deceased mourning the loss of their father, and worse still, only being able to recover very little of his remains.”

Police arrested four men involved with the poaching incident. Two .375 rifles and ammunition were seized. The men appeared April 5 in Komatipoort Magistrate's Court on charges of possession of firearms and ammunition without a licence, conspiracy to poach and trespassing. The four are to appear April 12 for another hearing.

Police said a formal investigation is ongoing in connection with the dead suspect.