Updated: A tour guide has been arrested after a 69-year-old Canadian tourist was killed when he “accidentally discharged” a firearm during a braai at the Kruger National Park.
Police spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo said the 36-year-old suspect was arrested on Thursday, a day after the incident occurred.
“It is alleged the tourist approached the suspect, who was holding a rifle, and asked whether it was a real firearm,” Masondo said.
“While the suspect was demonstrating that it was a real rifle, the firearm reportedly discharged.
“The bullet struck the tourist in the upper body.
“He was unfortunately certified dead at the scene.”
SANParks spokesman Rey Thakhuli said the incident happened at the park’s Phabeni Gate.
“The guest was part of a group booked outside the park and only came in for a bush braai offered by a private concession with a valid permit to operate the facility within the park,” said Thakhuli.
“Based on the preliminary information available at this stage, a private guide attached to the concession operator allegedly accidentally discharged a firearm, resulting in the fatal injury of a 69-year-old guest from Canada.
“SANParks extends its heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of the deceased during this difficult time.”
The man’s identity was not immediately known.
The shooting comes weeks after the Kruger was shaken by the murders of a retired Mossel Bay couple.
Ernst Marais, 71, and his wife Dina, 73, were last seen on May 20 at the Pafuri picnic site in the park’s remote northern section.
Their bodies were discovered days later at Crooks Corner, floating in the Levubu River near its confluence with the Limpopo River.
As previously reported, the couple’s hands were tied behind their backs before they were repeatedly stabbed and their bodies dragged to the riverbank, an area known for its Nile crocodile population.
The couple’s Ford Ranger was recovered on May 26 in Chókwè, Mozambique, which led investigators to their first break in the case.
Two Mozambican nationals, aged 32 and 33, were arrested in Mozambique on June 1 and 2.
A third suspect, 26-year-old Mozambican national Macandze Lionel da Marta, was later arrested in Zimbabwe after evading authorities and fleeing across the border.
All three face charges of murder and hijacking and are expected to be extradited to SA to stand trial.
IOL
