Sisulu: Only 3 tourists have died in SA since '94
Tourism Minister Lindiwe Sisulu been reassuring visitors to South Africa of their safety following the murder of a German holidaymaker outside the Kruger National Park.
"This is a serious threat that we are experiencing. It's a very sad day for us and a very sad day for the German people. The attack on tourists is not a daily occurrence in our country, but it's one incident too many."
Seventy-five-year-old Schnarr Joerg was shot by a gang near Mpumulanga's White River area on Monday.
The hijackers ordered him and his three passengers - also tourists to open the doors of their minibus.
He was shot after locking them.
Sisulu says three suspects have been arrested.
She says they view the attack in a very serious light as it tarnishes the country's image abroad.
"Tourism is at the heart of our economic growth, contributing 3.7% to South Africa's GDP, more than agriculture and other utilities and construction."
Briefing the media on Wednesday night, Sisulu said South Africa is a safe place with warm communities that depend on tourism.
"South Africa is indeed a safe place. So far, since the dawn of democracy, only three tourists have died in the country. One was 61, who was murdered in Cape Town. The other one was a tourist who fell down a mountain in an accident."
"Joerg's body will be repatriated today. His family flew home last night."
MORE ON ECR
