SANParks: Measures in place to ensure safety of tourists at notorious Numbi Gate

The measures come after a German tourist was killed on the Numbi Road in Mpumalanga in October last year.

The road that leads to the Numbi Gate at the Kruger National Park has been identified as a crime hotspot by the tourism sector.

Mdluli Safari Lodge Senior Manager Chris Schalkwyk says the park has implemented various measures to ensure the safety of tourists visiting the park.

Schalkwyk addressed the media on Wednesday on the latest safety measures.

“We have removed some of the speed humps, and there is no pothole on this road because we fixed them so that people can drive at a decent speed, and they don't have to slow down because when you drive up and at the speed hump because that is when sometimes culprits attack you.

“What is very serious or important about this area is the two communities that are involved, the leadership and the communities at large, are very positive to support and protect the tourists.

“We have signed a charter to say that they will take care of the tourists when they come in for the safety of our tourists.”

Schalkwyk added that those who commit crimes in the Numbi area are not from the local communities.

“The problem is not from these communities. It’s from people coming from areas like Marite, and so on that moves around the province, driving with cars that have blue lights and so on, those are the culprits, typical criminals that have nothing to do with this community as they (community) take care. We do not even have strikes on these routes because the people know that there are families working in the parks around Kruger National Parks and they support it because it’s part of their sustained job opportunities.”

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