Tourists shot at near Kruger

2008-01-18 14:34

Verashni Pillay

Nelspruit - Police are searching for a gang suspected of two attacks near the Kruger National Park on Thursday.

News24 learned that the shootings happened within a few hours of each other.

Police are investigating whether there is a link between the two attacks.

On Thursday morning at about 07:00, a group of tourists was driving past the Orpen Gate at the Timbavati Game Reserve Lodge when they came across branches in the road.

Stolen rifles

"While they were stopping there were some shots and they drove away," said police spokesperson, Captain David Hlatshwayo. "Fortunately nobody was injured."

He said one of the group was South African and the rest were foreign tourists. The car, a Toyota Yaris, was damaged, but nothing was stolen.

Police found bullets leading them to believe the suspects were using rifles that were stolen the previous week.

The first attack happened at about 15:30 on Wednesday when three employees from Tintswalo Safari Lodge, close to Hoedspruit, were returning to the lodge, located in Manyeleti Reserve which opens into the Kruger National Park.

The employees, who were driving a Nissan bakkie, had just turned onto the gravel road leading to the lodge when three men stopped them and start shooting at them.

"One man was injured and rushed to hospital," said investigating officer, Captain David Hlatshwayo.

Hlatshwayo said the man was shot in his left arm and leg. The gang got away but nothing was stolen.

The rifles used by the robbers might have been stolen during a burglary at Kapana Lodge in Hoedspruit on Thursday January 10 where rifles, amongst other things, were stolen.

Police are investigating two cases of attempted murder.

- News24