SAPS
South Africa has lived up to its reputation of being a crime hotspot for tourists when a German visitor was gunned down while on Safari near White River in Mpumalanga.
The incident happened at Numbi Road at the Mdluli Safari Lodge at around 4.30 pm on Monday.
Police Spokesperson Brigadier Selvy Mohlala says the victim was with three other tourists from Germany when they were shot at by ruthless criminals.
He says they were approached by three armed suspects driving a VW Caddy who instructed them to open their doors.
Brig Mohlala says the driver reportedly locked the doors when one suspect shot him in the upper body through the window.
He says the victim's vehicle then drove into reverse for about 100 meters before crashing into a wall.
The driver died at the scene and the suspects fled without stealing anything.
Meanwhile, The South African Tourism Sector (TBCSA) said it was devastated by the shooting incident as tourism has been the one sector where the country managed to recover following Covid-19 restrictions.
A spokesperson for TBCSA Nobuhle Simelane says as a sector they are aware that crime tops the list of factors tourists have raised as a concern when choosing South Africa as a destination.
"We wish to express our sympathy and extend our support to the family and friends who have had such a devastating experience in our country. South Africans are welcoming people and this criminal behaviour is inconsistent with our warm and welcoming spirit which is our innate way of life. The protection of all tourists is immensely important to us and therefore we continue to consult the South African Police Services and all related authorities in this regard," said South African Tourism Acting CEO, Themba Khumalo.
