South Africa’s tourism minister Lindiwe Sisulu has condemned the alleged shooting of tourists and elephants at the Jozini Dam in the Kwazulu Natal Province.
The tourists – five Germans, two Americans, one Australian and four South Africans are said to have been on an Elephant River Cruise when the incident took place, according to a statement released by the tourism department.
No one was injured in the incident but the tourists were left traumatised.
“Tourism creates thousands of jobs in the country and these attacks are a direct attack on our economy,” said Sisulu.
The tourism and wildlife authorities said they are working together with the South African Police Service (SAPS) to clamp down on elephant poaching on the shores of Lake Jozini.
“South Africa ... is a safe destination for tourists and incidents like these, impact negatively on
the reputation of our valuable tourism industry,” said Sisulu.
“We are working with law enforcement and other agencies to ensure the safety of tourists in the country.”
Meanwhile, KZN Ezemvelo Wildlife spokesperson, Musa Mntambo said elephants were being poached as community members are angry about increasing incidents of human-wildlife conflict that led to the trampling of a resident in September 2022.
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