By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Police in Mpumalanga are investigating an incident in which a tourist was shot and killed by a group of criminals along on Numbi Road in White River, Nelspruit.
Mpumalanga Police spokesperson Brigadier Selvy Mohlala said the man was part of a group of four that was accosted by armed men in a VW Caddy.
He said the tourists were travelling in a Hyundai H1 on Numbi Road in White River en route to Numbi Gate at Mdluli Safari lodge when they were attacked.
The armed men instructed them to open the vehicle doors. The driver instead locked all the doors and was shot in the upper body through the window.
“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.”
He said they were investigating a case of murder.
Mohlala 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 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.
Tourism Minister Lindiwe Sisulu has expressed sadness at the brutal murder of a German tourist in Mpumalanga on Monday.
Expressing condolences, Sisulu urged law enforcement agencies to leave no stone unturned in bringing to book the perpetrators of the heinous crime.
“Our country receives a large number of tourists from all over the globe, including Germany… The 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,” the Minister said.
She said she would engage Cabinet Ministers in the security cluster to discuss plans to ensure the safety of tourists who visit the country.
“I condemn this murder and robbery in the strongest terms and call for harsh punishment of those responsible. Tourism is one of our economic drivers and a provider of jobs for the youth. We must work hard to protect this industry.”
Sisulu said the murder will have 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.