Pic: The Phabeni Gate where a tourist was allegedly shot and killed accidentally
By Lwazi Raul-Shongwe and Kopano Dibakwane
A police investigation has been launched following the fatal shooting of a 69-year-old Canadian tourist due to an alleged accidental shooting at a private braai area near Phabeni Gate in the Kruger National Park on the evening of 17 June 2026.
According to the spokesperson for SANParks(South African National Parks), JP Louw, preliminary information revealed that a private guide attached to the concession operator allegedly accidentally discharged a firearm, resulting in the fatal injury of the guest.
Louw said 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.
Providing additional information on the incident, Mpumalanga police spokesperson, Colonel Mavela Masondo, said 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, that was at the time when the firearm reportedly discharged. The bullet struck the tourist in the upper body. He was unfortunately certified dead at the scene,” said Colonel Masondo.
The Acting Mpumalanga Provincial Police Commissioner, Major-General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi has called on lawful firearm owners to always adhere to the Firearms Control Act.
“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, ” said General Mkhwanazi.
Colonel Masondo said the police have opened cases of culpable homicide and reckless handling of a firearm for further investigation.
