03/01/2008 14:31 - (SA)

Pretoria - A 36-year-old game lodge caretaker was killed when he was attacked by lions at a Swartruggens game lodge in North West, police said on Thursday.

Superintendent Lesego Metsi said Samuel Boosen died when he was attacked by lions at the Aloe Ridge Lodge on Tuesday.

"The incident occurred at around 16:30 when he - together with two others - went to the enclosure of about eight or nine lions. He went inside the enclosure and was eaten. Only (his) spine and skull remained," said Metsi.

The other two men - who Boosen had asked to accompany him - were outside the enclosure when the incident happened.

Metsi said that Boosen had been working at the lodge for about four years at the time of the incident.

"An inquest docket has been opened and no foul play is suspected," said Metsi.