Cape Town – Police in Mpumalanga have launched a manhunt after a German tourist was shot and killed by a group of “ruthless criminals” at Numbi Road near White River on Monday afternoon.
Police spokesperson, Brigadier Selvy Mohlala, confirmed that Masoyi police were investigating the incident.
“According to the report, at that time, four tourists from Germany were travelling in a Hyundai H1 on Numbi Road enroute to Numbi Gate at Mdluli Safari lodge. They were then stopped by three armed suspects who were driving in a VW Caddy,” Mohlala said.
He said that the suspects instructed the tourists to open the doors of their vehicle, but after the driver reportedly defied the instructions, one of the suspects shot him through the window, penetrating his upper body.
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“It is further said that the victims’ vehicle drove in reverse for about 100 metres before [crashing] into the wall of Heroes Academy. Unfortunately, the driver died on the spot as a result of the shooting. The suspects reportedly sped off in their vehicle without taking anything from the tourists,” he added.
“A murder case was opened with an immediate launch of a manhunt for the suspects,” Mohlala said.
Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela condemned the occurrence.
“This is really cruel and uncalled for given the economic challenges that our country is facing. When one has tourists then it means the tourism sector is benefitting in a way which in turn gives a boost to our struggling economy,” she said.
The Lieutenant General urged anyone with information to come forward so that the assailants can be brought to justice.
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Compiled by Junaid Benjamin
