Concerns about tourism in South Africa after German tourists were shot near Kruger National Park and gunmen ambushed their car

A German tourist was shot dead in broad daylight after his car was ambushed by gunmen on his first day in South Africa with friends.

South African police have launched a search for assailants after a shooting occurred near Kruger National Park in Mpumalanga province on Monday afternoon.

Tourist vehicle ambushed on its way to Kruger

The German tourist was driving with his wife and three other German couples on board when his car was attacked near the Numbi Gate in Kruger Park.

The group had just flown into Johannesburg from Germany and had made the 250-mile drive to Muduri Lodge for their safari vacation. Mdluli Lodge is located just inside He Numbi Gate in Kruger National Park, and they were only 25 miles from safety when they were ambushed at 4:30 p.m.

As the Volkswagen caddy pulled up in front of the Hyundai Staria, three men, believed to be in camouflage uniforms, rushed out with guns and demanded that the German tourists open the door. It is believed that the mastermind fired at least one shot at the driver through the window when the driver pressed a button that centrally locked all four doors.

He had already backed up the car and sped 100 yards backwards and crashed into the school wall, causing the panicked gunman to flee. The gang members hurried off without taking any of the tourists’ belongings.

Tragically, the driver had been shot so badly in the upper body that his partner and friend were unable to do anything and died almost instantly at the scene. Police have identified at least three of his “persons of interest” in connection with the shooting and are currently in police custody.

Concerns about tourism in South Africa

Survivors are now receiving assistance from the German Embassy. “The embassy is in close contact with South African authorities regarding the tragic death of a German tourist at Mpumalanga. A consular team is providing consular assistance,” the embassy said in a statement.

Nambi Gate has become a notorious location for robbers who ambush tourist cars as they slow down on one of the speed bumps. Earlier this year, four of his tourists visiting Kruger National Park were allegedly robbed by four armed men after leaving the park through Numbi Gate. report by Getaway.

The killing of a German tourist has raised concerns for tourism in South Africa, where the Kruger National Park and national wildlife reserves are a significant part. The government condemned the killings and claimed that South Africa remained a safe travel destination.

South Africa’s Tourism Minister Lindiwe Sissur condemned the attack on Tuesday. “I also urge law enforcement to go to great lengths to prosecute the perpetrators of this heinous crime,” Sisulu said.

She lamented that such crimes have hampered the country’s tourism industry. ‘ she said.