SANParks responds to tragic killing of German tourist

The South African National Parks (SANParks) has expressed great concern and grief following the fatal shooting of a German tourist during an attempted hijacking on the Numbi Road, en route to their lodge in the Kruger National Park (KNP) on Monday evening.

“Our thoughts are with the family as they process this senseless and tragic loss,” said KNP spokesperson, Ike Phaahla said in a statement.

“We are deeply saddened by the escalation of crime and violence to this terrible end, which not only threatens the lives of our visitors, but also the livelihoods of the people living around our parks.

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“This is a huge setback for the tourism sector and the country,” he said.

Phaahla said that the KNP has been working with the KLCBT and the National Department of Tourism to promote tourism products to overseas customers, and this latest criminal act undermines the joint efforts to restore the sector to pre-Covid days.

“Tourism is a huge employer in a region with some of the highest unemployment rates in the country. We are confident that the law enforcement agencies will apprehend these heinous criminals and bring them to book.

“The Numbi road has been identified as a crime hot spot by the tourism sector and efforts are ongoing to counter the criminality in the area and on the road, with increased security patrols and vehicle recognition cameras.”

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Paahla said that SANParks is working with the responsible authorities to try and ensure the safety of tourists on all roads leading to the KNP and other tourist destinations in the area.

He added that tourists are advised to plan their trips carefully by only making stops at designated areas such as service stations, traveling in convoys, and where possible, using alternative gates.

The Paul Kruger and Phabeni gates are fully operational and signposted and can be used as a gateway to other lodges around the KNP.