SECURITY measures have been stepped up in the Sodwana Bay section of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park after a holidaymaker was shot in the leg in the park’s campsite on Sunday night.
Between 10.30 and 11pm, the 39-year-old victim, whose name has not been released, was reportedly awoken by noises inside the campsite.
He zipped open his tent and was met by a gun-wielding intruder. A struggle ensued during which the intruder shot the victim in the leg, shattering his femur.
He was rushed to a hospital in Richards Bay in a critical condition, where he underwent emergency surgery on Monday to remove the bullet.
Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife officers were on scene shortly after the incident and the conservation authority’s spokesperson, Musa Mntambo, said, ‘We are grateful that our guest was not killed and put our faith in the police that they will apprehend the suspect shortly.’
He went on to say that although security at Sodwana Bay is tight, with guards patrolling the camp at night, the suspect managed to evade them.
iSimangaliso’s Terri Castis said iSimangaliso has engaged with Ezemvelo regarding this matter and is ready to assist Ezemvelo and the police in any way possible.
‘We are deeply concerned as crimes such as these affect the whole community.’
While initial reports stated three suspects were involved in the attack, this has not been confirmed.
SAPS spokesperson, Colonel Jay Naicker, said a case of attempted robbery and attempted murder is being investigated, but no arrests have as yet been made.
‘Police are constantly patrolling the area to make sure those visiting the park feel safe,’ said Naicker, who urged members of the public to be vigilant and to inform the police if they notice any suspicious activity in the area.
This latest incident comes just two months after Cape Town holidaymaker Brian Flanagan was shot while travelling on a rural track between Lake Sibaya and Sodwana Bay. Although the Flanagan shooting did not occur inside the wetland park, security breaches at Sodwana Bay campsite, including more than 40 holes in the electrified fence, were reported in December holidaymaker Robin Potgieter.
