MINISTER of Tourism Lindiwe Sisulu has expressed her sadness at the news of the killing of a German tourist, offering her condolences to the man’s family while calling on law enforcement to act.
The German tourist was shot dead while traveling to the world-renowned Kruger National Park game reserve.
“I condemn this murder and robbery in the strongest terms and call for harsh punishment of those responsible,” Sisulu said in a statement.
Sisulu pointed out that tourism is among South Africa’s key economic drivers and was seeing a boom in people visiting the country.
She said she would also be discussing ways of ensuring the safety of those visiting South Africa.
“Tourism is one of our economic drivers and a provider of jobs for the youth. We must work hard to protect this industry. This in turn has a negative impact on the socio-economic benefits of the sector, particularly tourism’s contribution to gross domestic product, job creation and ultimately poverty alleviation,” she said.
This happens as “the South African tourism sector is poised for a tremendous bounce back and positive growth after the first half of the year (2022) show a staggering increase in arrivals. This crime will not deter us. We will continue to intensify targeted communication on our digital platforms to sell South Africa as a destination of choice, inviting the world to come and “Live Again” with us.”
Several armed men shot the tourist during a robbery in Mpumalanga province on Monday.
Local police said the man, along with three others from Germany, had been traveling to the Kruger National Park, a popular tourist attraction.
Police have opened a murder investigation and launched a manhunt for the suspects.
According to local police chief Brigadier Selvy Mohlala, the attackers demanded the doors of the vehicle be opened, at which point the driver locked doors.
Mohlala said one of the suspects then shot the man in the upper body, through the window.
The suspects subsequently drove off without taking anything from the group.
News of the murder has been circulating on social media in South Africa.
STAFF REPORTER
