NATIONAL NEWS - The minister of police, Bheki Cele, today visited the crime scene where a German tourist was killed on Monday.
Joerg Schnarr, his wife, Vera, and Reiner Nuchter and his wife, Andrea, were on their way to a lodge near the Kruger National Park’s Numbi Gate when they were stopped by three armed suspects in a Volkswagen Caddy.
During his visit to the scene, Cele announced that the police have taken in three suspects for questioning, with the possibility of an arrest soon.
He said they will not allow criminals to disrupt or close down tourism in the area, and that they will work tirelessly to make sure that the perpetrators are brought to book. “The police have identified the car that was used for the robbery. I believe they will be making an arrest soon,” he said.
The minister also said the wife of the deceased insisted that she wanted to go back home with her husband’s body, and that the Department of Home Affairs and International Relations are in contact to arrange the papers for her.
“We have given the family the support they need and I believe that all arrangements will go accordingly, and that her wish will be granted. It is unfortunate that she has to go back with him dead, when their plan was to go back together after exploring our country,” said Cele.
He added that local businesses will come together and come up with a better solution to curb crime in the area, especially when it comes to protecting tourists.
The police department will also look into increasing the number of officers at the Masoyi Police Station and those who patrol the area.
