MPUMALANGA police have identified suspects following last week's two hijacking incidents against tourists travelling between Hazyview and White River to the Numbi Gate in the Kruger National Park (KNP).
This according to Captain Ben Mkhonto of the Lowveld Area Commissioner's office who says that, to date, although several suspects have been identified, no-one has yet been arrested or charged.
Although both cases involved international tourists, Mkhonto strongly denied that tourists were specifically being targeted. "We are however, maintaining a strong police presence in the area."
Director of the KNP, David Mabunda, told Travel Now that the park strongly advises tourists not to use the Numbi Gate entrance, but rather to travel the R40 from White River to the more commonly used main Paul Kruger Gate entrance.
"We are working with the provincial authorities to put up a sign just outside White River, advising tourists which route to take," he said, adding that the Numbi informal settlement along the Hazyview road has resulted in "a potentially dangerous" situation for travellers.
"We cannot close the Numbi Gate because it serves a purpose within the park, but I will emphasise again that it should not be used by visitors."
KNP has also increased its security personnel at the Numbi Gate who are working closely with the South African Police Service (SAPS), says Mabunda.
"Unfortunately though, we cannot control what happens outside our premises, but we are doing all we can to ensure the safety of our guests."
(Adéle Mackenzie)
