Additional security measures have been put in place in the area to keep tourists safe following the killing of a German tourist a year ago.
SANParks has joined forces with Mdluli Safari Lodge, the Kruger Lowveld Chamber of Business and Tourism (KLCBT), private security companies and the police to secure the area and combat crimes threatening the Kruger National Park (KNP) and the tourists visiting the area.
The KCLBT’s COO, Linda Grimbeek, said the Numbi road has now become the preferred route for tour operators into the KNP and other tourism sectors in the area. “We have upgraded all the security measures in place and we are planning to add even more safety measures on that road. We are not only going to focus on the Numbi road, but are going to ensure the safety of visitors on all tourist routes,” she said.
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On the Numbi route, cameras have been installed to monitor the road and 24-hour private security patrols, coupled with police visibility, are enforced. Tourism safety monitors from the national Department of Tourism have also been deployed.
According to Grimbeek, all the illegal speed humps on the road have been removed, except for those that legally have to be there, such as where children cross the road. “Some of the potholes that were causing motorists to slow down have also been repaired and are being monitored on a daily basis. We have community members who are also on the watch for any criminal activities,” Grimbeek said.
She added that they are still going to add more cameras at strategic points to ensure the entire road is well monitored.
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Meanwhile, the director of Mdluli Safari Lodge, Chris Schalkwyk, said tourism is very important to the country, with KNP being one of the most visited areas in the world. “The KNP is an iconic park that attracts internationals to South Africa and especially our province. That is why we need to enhance safety and security measures in the area. We can only keep the international guests coming if we can ensure their safety,” he said.
SANParks’ spokesperson, Ike Phaahla, said they welcome all the support they get from the private sector to keep the road leading to the KNP safe. “The safety of our guests is our priority, and with the measures in place at the moment, we are happy that tourists can now travel on the Numbi road without being attacked. We are going to work with them to ensure that the situation remains the same across other routes leading to the park,” he said.
A German tourist, Jörg Schnarr (67), was fatally shot early in October 2022 during an apparent failed hijacking near the Numbi Gate. Schnarr was shot through his vehicle’s window in the upper body after he had locked the doors to keep the assailants out.
