PRETORIA — A Canadian tourist was killed in a shooting at South Africa’s Kruger National Park after a firearm discharged during an apparent accident at a private event inside the reserve, South African authorities said on Wednesday.
The South African Police Service said the victim, a 69-year-old Canadian man, was attending an evening gathering in the park when he was struck by a bullet fired from a rifle being handled by a private guide. The incident occurred during what park officials described as a “bush braai,” an outdoor barbecue event organized within the park.
According to police, the tourist approached a concession operator who was holding a rifle and asked whether the firearm was real. While the operator was demonstrating the weapon, it discharged, striking the tourist in the upper body. The man was pronounced dead at the scene, police said.
South African National Parks (SANParks), which manages Kruger National Park, confirmed the fatality and expressed condolences to the victim’s family and friends. In a statement, SANParks said preliminary information indicated that a private guide “accidentally discharged a firearm, resulting in the fatal injury.”
Police have opened an investigation and said potential charges under consideration include culpable homicide and reckless handling of a firearm. Authorities have not publicly identified the victim pending notification of relatives. Details regarding the exact circumstances of the discharge remain under investigation.
The Canadian government acknowledged reports of the incident but did not immediately provide additional details. Global Affairs Canada said it was aware of the death of a Canadian citizen abroad and was monitoring the situation, according to Canadian media reports.
Kruger National Park, located in northeastern South Africa, is one of Africa’s largest wildlife reserves and attracts visitors from around the world. Fatal incidents involving firearms are rare within the park, which is better known for its wildlife tourism and conservation programs.
The shooting occurred less than a month after separate criminal incidents in the northern section of the park drew national attention, prompting renewed discussion about visitor safety in remote areas of the reserve. Authorities have emphasized that the current case appears to be unrelated and is being treated as an accidental shooting.
South African police said forensic examinations and witness interviews were continuing. Investigators are expected to determine whether criminal charges will be filed against the individual handling the firearm.
As of Friday, no arrests had been announced. SANParks said it was cooperating fully with law enforcement authorities while continuing normal operations at the park.
