'I have a link to SA'
2003-08-12 08:36
Hazyview - The retired British major whose wife was shot dead in Pilgrim's Rest last year, says he has a indelible link to South Africa because his blood and that of his beloved had flowed in the area.
Major John Conway visited Mpumalanga on Monday for the first time since his wife, Diane, died in their hotel room there last October. He was wounded in the neck, but has recovered fully.
The Middelburg police are going to hand the couple's belongings, which were used as evidence in the murder case, to Conway on Tuesday. These include Diane's wallet and credit card.
The Mpumalanga tourism department organised Conway's visit as part of its aftercare programme for crime victims. Conway wanted to undertake the visit to thank everyone for their support.
The attack on the Conways made headlines worldwide and top detectives were assigned to the case. Barely two months later Prince Mogane, 19, a Pilgrim's Rest golf caddy, was sentenced to lifelong imprisonment.
He shot both the Conways when they refused to give him money.
On his return to South Africa, Conway said it was difficult to do things for the first time without his wife. But now that he is here, he won't hesitate to come again.
"I lost a lot of blood on [South African] soil in an area where British soldiers died [during the Anglo Boer war]. I have a link to South Africa."
Calvyn Gilfellan, Mpumalanga's tourism director, says tourism in the province increased by between 10% and 12% last year, despite various attacks on tourists. Mpumalanga's position as South African destination for overseas visitors has risen from sixth place to third.
"This shows that our tourism sector is healthy. The infrastructure is in place and tourism products are quality products," Gilfellan says.