German tourist murdered: Trial continues in Mpumalanga High Court

The 2023 murder of a German tourist, which had far-reaching consequences, is still being heard in the Mpumalanga High Court. The case started on July 22 this year.

Jörg Schnarr was killed on the Numbi road, heading towards the Kruger National Park.

The three men accused of shooting him are facing charges of murder, attempted murder, attempted hijacking, possession of an illegal firearm and robbery with aggravating circumstances. They pleaded not guilty on all these charges.

Several public witnesses, as well as a former police officer, are currently testifying in court as part of the prosecution’s case.

According to the provincial NPA spokesperson, Monica Nyuswa, the trial will continue until the matter is finalised and all the witnesses and the accused are cross-examined by the State and the defence team. They will appear in court every day, depending on the availability of the parties involved in the case.

Schnarr and three other tourists were en route to a lodge near Numbi Gate on October 3 last year and were stopped by three armed suspects who shot and killed Schnarr.

According to information, the three men, Napoleon Nyalunga, Marshal Mamba and Bongumusa Matsane, allegedly stopped the vehicle and ordered the tourists to open the doors. Schnarr locked them instead and this led to him being shot through the window.

Despite being critically wounded, he still managed to reverse from the scene for about 100m before crashing into a wall.

He was certified dead on the scene soon afterwards. After this event, additional security measures were put in place by the Kruger Lowveld Chamber of Business and Tourism and other stakeholders.