Four German tourists travelling in a Hyundai H1 in Mpumalanga were stopped by three armed suspects and the driver was fatally shot through the window.
THE POLICE at Masoyi in Mpumalanga are investigating an incident in which a tourist was shot and killed by a group of “ruthless criminals” along Numbi Road near White River.
Mpumalanga police spokesperson Brigadier Selvy Mohlala said the “terrible incident” happened on Monday afternoon, after 4pm.
“According to the report, at that time four tourists from Germany were travelling in a Hyundai H1 on Numbi Road en route to Numbi Gate at Mdluli Safari lodge. They were then stopped by three armed suspects who were driving in a Volkswagen Caddy,” Mohlala said.
“The suspects are said to have instructed the tourists to open the doors of their vehicle but when the driver reportedly locked all the doors, apparently one of the suspects shot him in the upper body through the window.”
It is further said that the victims’ vehicle, the Hyundai H1, 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,” said Mohlala.
“The police at Masoyi as well as other role-players in the emergency services were alerted about the incident. A murder case was opened with an immediate launch of a manhunt for the suspects.
“Police urge anyone with information that may assist in apprehending the perpetrators to immediately call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111 or send information via the MySAPS app. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous,” the police appealed.
Meanwhile, the provincial commissioner of police in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant-General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela, has “vehemently condemned the terrible atrocity carried out by the suspects”.
“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 benefiting … which in turn gives boost to our struggling economy,” said Manamela.
“We call on our good citizens who might have seen or heard anything about these criminals or the VW Caddy they were driving, to come forward and we promise to swiftly act so that they are brought to justice.”
