Kruger National Park – A 69-year-old tourist has been fatally wounded at a concession-operated braai picnic area in the vicinity of Phabeni Gate in the Kruger National Park.
The tragedy occurred on Wednesday, 17 June 2026.
“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,” said a statement released by South African National Parks (SANParks) early Thursday,18 June 2026.
SANParks spokesperson JP 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 JP Louw.
South African Police Service (SAPS) officers were on the scene.
Commenting on the matter, Mpumalanga police spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo said: “Preliminary investigation suggests that the victim was at a concession-operated braai picnic site in the vicinity of Phabeni Gate when he was allegedly shot, accidentally, by the concession operator”.
The police spokesperson added: “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. He was unfortunately certified dead at the scene.”
Colonel Mavela Masondo said the police have opened cases of Culpable Homicide and Reckless Handling of a Firearm for further investigation.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, 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 the circumstances that led to the unfortunate incident.”
