An attempted hijacking on the Numbi Road near White River, which led to a German tourist being shot dead on Monday October 3, has elicited a strong response from the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA).
According to reports, four tourists from Germany were travelling in a Hyundai H1 on the Numbi Road en route to the Mdluli Safari lodge.
“We condemn this horrific attack on our tourists at all costs. The tourists were on holiday in Mpumalanga, en route to Mdluli Safari Lodge when the incident happened. They were stopped by three armed suspects who eventually fled the scene after this brutal incident,” said Mduduzi Vilakazi, acting CEO of the MTPA.
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Vilakazi conveyed his condolences to the bereaved family and friends. “We also convey our deepest support to the Mdluli Safari Lodge for losing one of their patrons in this brutal incident.
“We are appalled by these kind of incidents that continue to create a bad reputation and experience for Mpumalanga and the country at large. Our tourism safety team from the MTPA is already engaging the surviving members of the family and friends by providing the necessary counselling and aftercare support. The matter has also been reported to the German Embassy.”
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Vilakazi said they are working together with the SAPS and the regional tourism organisation in Ehlanzeni, the Kruger Lowveld Chamber of Business and Tourism, to come up with ways of ensuring that tourists are safe as they get ready for the festive season.
The KLCBT has issued a R50 000 reward to anyone with information that leads to the arrest of the perpetrators.
“The law enforcement agencies are currently investigating the matter. We are confident that the perpetrators will be caught and brought to book. We are still committed to ensuring that tourists are safe and protected at all times when visiting our province,” he said.
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