By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Police Minister, Bheki Cele is visiting the scene of the murder of a German tourist who was gunned down during a robbery on Monday, in Mpumalanga.
Cele and national police commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, will be in the province as part of efforts to intensify the investigation into the murder, according to a statement.
The 67-year-old German man was killed while travelling with three others from the Drakensberg to Mdluli Safari Lodge in the Kruger National Park, when armed men ambushed them.
The man was shot dead after refusing to open the vehicle doors. Their vehicle then crashed into a school.
Police launched a manhunt for the killers, who sped away after the incident.
Mpumalanga Community Safety, Security and Liaison MEC Vusi Shongwe has called on residents to help the police find the killers.
Shongwe said the attack on the tourists was a blow to the province’s efforts to grow tourism.
He called on residents to provide the police with information on the attackers.
“Attacking tourists portrays the province and the country in a bad light. It also scares away potential investors and visitors to the province. We must work hand in hand with communities so that we bring to book those who perpetrate crimes against our visitors,” he added.
“Tourism plays an important role in growing the economy of the country and the creation of much-needed jobs. These crimes will not only affect tourism businesses, but many families who rely on those who work in the tourism sector,” said Shongwe.
The German Embassy in South Africa said it was working with local authorities, and was offering support to the three surviving tourists.
“Our consular team is taking care of the tourists that were affected,” said spokesperson Christopher Schmidt.
[SCENE OF CRIME] Minister a Cele arrives at the crime scene where 67 year old #GermanTourist was gunned down. @SAPoliceService pic.twitter.com/OTD1tESbOz
— Lirandzu Themba (@LirandzuThemba) October 5, 2022
Meanwhile, the Kruger Lowveld Chamber of Business and Tourism (KLCBT) has put out a R50 000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the criminals.
“We’ve had private security and cameras on that road since April, and no incidents have been reported since. This stuff can happen anywhere in the world. Today is our bad day,” said KLCBT CEO Linda Grimbeek.