File
Three suspects alleged to have been involved in the murder of a German tourist close to the Kruger National Park's Numbi Gate are expected to make their first court appearances this week following their recent arrests.
The men are between the ages of 25 and 38 and are believed to have killed the tourist in 3 October.
The slain tourist was one of four German nationals who were reportedly driving to the Mdluli Safari lodge, about 15 kilometers from the Kruger National Park, when they were intercepted by three armed men who allegedly demanded that they open the vehicle doors.
But one of the tourists then reportedly locked the doors of the vehicle and was subsequently shot through the window by one of the suspects.
He died on the scene and the assailants fled in their car without taking anything from the tourists.
Police say the first suspect was arrested earlier in the week at a retail store in Nelspruit.
The other two were nabbed in Badplaas and Elukwatini on Wednesday and Thursday, respectively.
One of the three suspects was allegedly found in possession of a white Toyota Tazz believed to have been used during the murder of the German tourist.
Police seized a firearm, with its serial numbers filled off, 11 live rounds of ammunition and jamming devices that were also found in their possession.
They are expected to appear in court soon.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela, welcomed the arrests and indicated that "the hard work by the men and women in blue will assist to improve trust between the public and the police".
