A 36-year-old private tour guide has been arrested and charged with culpable homicide and reckless handling of a firearm following the accidental shooting death of a Canadian tourist during a bush braai in the Kruger National Park (KNP) on Wednesday, June 17.

According to Mpumalanga police spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo, the victim was at a concession-operated braai picnic site near Phabeni Gate when the incident occurred.

“It is alleged that the 69-year-old male tourist approached the suspect, who was holding a rifle, and asked whether it was a real firearm. While the suspect was demonstrating that it was a real rifle, the firearm reportedly discharged. The bullet struck the tourist in the upper body. He was unfortunately certified dead at the scene,” said Masondo.

Masondo said the suspect remains in police custody and is expected to appear in the Mkhuhlu Magistrate’s Court soon.

The deceased’s name has not yet been released, as authorities are still in the process of formally identifying and notifying his next of kin.

However, Lowvelder understands that the tourist was accompanied by his wife at the time of the incident.

The couple were part of a group of Canadian tourists visiting South Africa on a 21-day tour. They had been staying at a hotel in the Hazyview area for three days, before continuing their journey to another destination.

ALSO READ: Canadian tourist dies in Kruger Park shooting incident

Meanwhile, the Kruger Lowveld Chamber of Business and Tourism has dispatched victim support services to assist the deceased’s wife and others affected by the tragedy. The organisation said it would continue providing support until the deceased’s body is repatriated to Canada.

SANParks spokesperson JP Louw said that although the tourist was visiting the KNP with a private tour guide, the organisation would provide assistance where necessary. He added that registered tour guides are permitted to carry firearms within the park, subject to the relevant regulations.

Listen

“We are deeply shocked by this incident and our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of the deceased. We will allow the police to conduct their investigation and will co-operate fully where required,” said Louw.