Kruger National Park bush braai ends in fatal shooting; police open probe

Police in Mpumalanga have opened an investigation after a 69-year-old Canadian tourist was fatally shot at a concession-operated bush braai site near Phabeni Gate in the Kruger National Park on Wednesday evening.

What happened at the braai

According to preliminary findings, the tourist was attending a bush braai organised by a private concession operator when the incident occurred. Police spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo said the victim approached a concession operator who was holding a rifle and asked whether the firearm was real.

“It is alleged that the 69-year-old male tourist approached the concession operator, who was holding a rifle, and asked if it was a real firearm. While the operator was demonstrating that it was a real rifle, and that was at the time when the firearm reportedly discharged,”

The bullet struck the tourist in the upper body, and he was declared dead at the scene.

Role of private guide and SANParks response

South African National Parks (SANParks) said the firearm was allegedly discharged by a private guide attached to the concession operator.

“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 said.

SANParks also clarified that the victim was not staying inside the park but was part of a group that had booked the bush braai experience through a private concessionaire.

“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 said.

Charges and ongoing investigation

Police have opened cases of culpable homicide and reckless handling of a firearm as investigators work to establish the exact sequence of events that led to the shooting.

The Acting Provincial Commissioner of SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General Dr Zeph Mkhwanazi, emphasised the importance of responsible firearm ownership while the probe continues.

“The matters of safety with regard to firearms are very important and in this case, the necessary investigations are underway. We are hopeful that we will get details with regard to circumstances that led to the unfortunate incident,”

he said.

Condolences and cooperation

SANParks said it was cooperating with authorities and extended its condolences.

“SANParks extends its heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of the deceased during this difficult time.”

Investigations remain ongoing.