A 69-year-old Canadian tourist was fatally shot at a bush braai picnic area near Phabeni Gate in the Kruger National Park on Wednesday evening, 17 June, after a private guide allegedly accidentally discharged a firearm.
According to SANParks spokesperson JP Louw, 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.
“SANParks extends its heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of the deceased during this difficult time,” said Louw.
He added that the South African Police Service is currently on the scene and is conducting the necessary investigations.
Louw said that the matter is now the subject of a police investigation and further information will be communicated once it becomes available and as appropriate.
The incident marks the second tragedy to strike the Kruger National Park in less than a month.
As previously reported, Mossel Bay couple Dina (73) and Ernst (71) Marais were murdered on 20 May near the Pafuri picnic site in the far northern section of the reserve.
Their bodies were discovered two days later floating in the Levubu River near its intersection with the Limpopo River.
Since then, two suspects were arrested in Mozambique earlier this month in connection with the brutal murders and a third suspect was arrested in Zimbabwe about a week later.
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