South Africa’s lawlessness has taken another tourists life as the South African Police Service (SAPS) at Masoyi are investigating an incident in which a German tourist was fatally shot by a group of ruthless criminals at Numbi Road near White River.

• The South African tourism sector is devastated by the news of the fatal shooting of a German visitor.
• The tourist was one of four travelers making their way to one of the country’s top tourism attractions in Mpumalanga.
• Tourism has played a critical role in enabling South Africa’s economy to recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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The report states that at the time, four German visitors were driving a Hyundai STARIA to the Numbi Gate at the Mdluli Safari Lodge. Three armed individuals traveling in a VW Caddy then stopped them.

The suspects allegedly told the tourists to unlock their car’s doors, but when the driver allegedly locked all of the doors, one of the suspects allegedly shot him in the upper body through the glass. According to additional information, the victims’ car reportedly traveled in reverse for around 100 meters before slamming into the Heroes Academy wall.

Unfortunately, the shooting led to the driver’s immediate death. According to reports, the perpetrators rushed off in their car with nothing taken from the vacationers. The event was reported to the Masoyi SAPS as well as other emergency services personnel. A manhunt for the suspects was immediately launched when a murder investigation was opened.

Meanwhile the Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS 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 benefiting in a way which in turn give boost to our struggling economy. We call on our good citizens who might have seen or heard anything about these criminals or the VW Caddy they were driving, to come forward and we promise to swiftly act so that they are brought to justice.

// Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela

Crime tops the list of factors that tourists have raised as a concern when choosing South Africa as a destination, according to South African Tourism and The Tourism Business Council of South Africa. It was with this in mind that at a recent gathering of tourism industry leaders called for South Africa’s security cluster to help in bolstering tourism safety and acting fast against acts of criminality that affect the sector’s potential. Despite this, South Africa continues to not have a dedicated multilingual ‘Tourism Police Force’, even though tourism it is considered to be ‘a national priority with the potential to contribute significantly to economic development’.

As a sector, we would like to convey our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the tourist who was killed in this incident. We call on law enforcement agencies to find the perpetrators of this violent crime as soon as possible.

// South African Tourism and The Tourism Business Council of South Africa

South Africa has everything that any tourist would want to see. The Mpumalanga province boasts quaint and charming small towns, amazing safari experiences and iconic landscapes. This, and more, is what visitors from various parts of the world come to experience in South Africa.

We wish to express our sympathy and extend our support to the family and friends who have had such a devastating experience in our country. South Africans are welcoming people and this criminal behavior is inconsistent with our warm and welcoming spirt which is our innate way of life. The protection of all tourists is immensely important to us and therefore we continue to consult the South African Police Services and all related authorities in this regard.

// South African Tourism Acting CEO, Themba Khumalo

Violence against tourists is equivalent to economic crimes such as stealing copper cables and gold, and something must be done urgently.

// Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA), Tshfhiwa Tshivhengwa

The incident took place on October 3, a public holiday in Germany marking ‘Tag der Wiedervereinigung’ or the reunification of Germany in 1990, after the fall of the Berlin Wall. The Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany consular team is taking care of consular assistance for the German nationals affected by the incident and are in close contact with the South African authorities.

Police are now urging anyone with information that could help in the capture of the offenders to contact the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111 or send information via the MySAPS App. Callers have the option to remain anonymous, and all information received will be handled as confidential.

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