OTTAWA — A 69-year-old Canadian tourist has been shot and killed at South Africa’s famous Kruger National Park in what authorities are describing as a tragic handling accident.
The incident took place on Wednesday evening during a “bush braai”—a traditional outdoor barbecue picnic held inside the wilderness park. According to the South African Police Service, the Canadian man approached a private safari guide who was holding a rifle and asked whether the firearm was real.
While the operator was demonstrating that the rifle was indeed real, the weapon accidentally discharged. The bullet struck the tourist in the upper body, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.
South African National Parks issued a statement offering condolences to the victim’s family, confirming that preliminary findings point to an accidental discharge by a private concession operator. Meanwhile, the South African Police Service has launched a formal investigation into potential charges of culpable homicide and the reckless handling of a firearm.
Global Affairs Canada has been notified of the incident, and officials are working to gather more details and provide consular assistance.
