Police at Masoyi, in Mpumalanga are investigating an incident in which a tourist was shot and killed by a group of “ruthless criminals” along Numbi Road near White River.
Brigadier Selvy Mohlala said the “terrible incident” happened on Monday afternoon, after 4pm.
“According to the report, at that time four tourists from Germany were travelling in a Hyundai H1 on Numbi Road en route to Numbi Gate at Mdluli Safari lodge. They were then stopped by three armed suspects who were driving in a Volkswagen Caddy,” Mohlala narrated.
“The suspects are said to have instructed the tourists to open the doors of their vehicle but when the driver reportedly locked all the doors, apparently one of the suspects shot him on the upper body through the window.”
It is further said that the victims’ vehicle, the Hyundai, drove in reverse for about 100 meters before crushing into the wall of Heroes Academy.
“Unfortunately, the driver died on the spot as a result of the shooting. The suspects reportedly sped off in their vehicle without taking anything from the tourists,” said Mohlala.
“The police at Masoyi as well as other role players in the emergency services were alerted about the incident. A murder case was opened with an immediate launch of manhunt for the suspects.”
On Monday evening, Mohlala said no one had been arrested.
“Police urge anyone with information that may assist in apprehending the perpetrators to immediately call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111 or send information via My SAPS App. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous,” the police appealed.
Meanwhile, provincial commissioner of police in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has “vehemently condemned the terrible atrocity carried out by the suspects”.
“This is really cruel and uncalled for given the economic challenges that our country is facing. When one has tourists then it means the tourism sector is benefitting in a way which in turn give boost to our struggling economy,” said Manamela.
“We call on our good citizens who might have seen or heard anything about these criminals or the VW Caddy they were driving, to come forward and we promise to swiftly act so that they are brought to justice.”
Meanwhile, Tourism Minister Lindiwe Sisulu has expressed her sadness by the news of the fatal shooting of a German tourist in Mpumalanga on Monday 3 October 2022. The tourist was part of a group of travellers making their way to one of the country’s top tourism attractions in the province.
“I would like to convey my heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the tourist who was killed in this incident. I also call on law enforcement agencies to leave no stone unturned in bringing to book the perpetrators of this heinous crime.”
Our country receives a large number of tourists from all over the globe, including Germany and the high number of foreign tourists who continue to visit our country. This high number of tourists is one of the ways in which our tourism sector has been able to recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
I will engage my Cabinet colleagues in the Security Cluster to discuss plans to ensure the safety of tourists who visit our country.
“I condemn this murder and robbery in the strongest terms and call for harsh punishment of those responsible,” Sisulu said.
“Tourism is one of our economic drivers and a provider of jobs for the youth. We must work hard to protect this industry,” the Minister said.
“This in turn has a negative impact on the socio-economic benefits of the sector, particularly tourism’s contribution to gross domestic product, job creation and ultimately poverty alleviation,” she said.
This happens as “the South African tourism sector is poised for a tremendous bounce back and positive growth after the first half of the year (2022) show a staggering increase in arrivals .
“This crime will not deter us. We will continue to intensify targeted communication on our digital platforms to sell South Africa as a destination of choice, inviting the world to come and “Live Again” with us,” she concluded.
