The South African National parks had recently urged visitors to use alternative entrances into the Kruger National park following the fatal shooting of a German tourist at Numbi gate. But after public outcry and protest, the gate could be permanently closed.
A group of German tourists travelling through Mpumalanga on Numbi Road to the Kruger National Park were stopped by armed suspects on 3 October. The encounter resulted in the fatal shooting of a 67-year-old tourist.
The story sent shockwaves throughout the country and left an indelible blemish on the already struggling tourism sector. Tourism Minister Lindiwe Sisulu has recently spoken of the incident and alluded to a potential closure of the gate.
‘We learnt, after going into the details of this particular incident, that, actually, the Numbi Gate is not a very safe place,’ said Tourism Minister Lindiwe Sisulu.
‘The advice that comes that perhaps we should close the Numbi Gate is something we need to discuss with the owners of the lodges and see if we can find an alternative route.’
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