Canadian tourist killed after shooting in South Africa’s Kruger National Park

Man, 69, reportedly shot by accident during barbecue picnic near Phabeni Gate, east of Pretoria

Published Jun 18, 2026  •  2 minute read

A herd of Chapman's zebras in the north part of Kruger National Park in South Africa. A 69-year-old Canadian man is dead after a reported accidental shooting on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, inside South Africa’s Kruger National Park. Photo by Wildlife Worldwide

A Canadian tourist is dead after a reported accidental shooting on Wednesday inside South Africa’s Kruger National Park.

The incident reportedly happened during a barbecue picnic near Phabeni Gate, which is east of Pretoria and close to the country’s borders with Eswatini and Mozambique, with officials saying the victim was a 69-year-old man who had asked a tour operator about their firearm.

Article content

Article content

Article content

“It is alleged that the 69-year-old male tourist approached the concession operator, who was holding a rifle, and asked if it was a real firearm,” a Thursday statement from the South African Police Service said.

“While the operator was demonstrating that it was a real rifle, the firearm reportedly discharged. The bullet struck the tourist in the upper body. He was unfortunately certified dead at the scene.”

Private tour guide reportedly arrested

They said officers had opened a “culpable homicide and reckless handling of a firearm” case and would investigate further.

A 36-year-old private tour guide has since been arrested, according to The Lowvelder newspaper, and was still in custody.

The victim’s name had not been released.

Authorities said they were still trying to identify the man as of Thursday morning and contact his next of kin, The Lowvelder reported, although the outlet believed that he was travelling with his wife at the time with other Canadian tourists.

Article content

RECOMMENDED VIDEO

Couple murdered at park last month

An email seeking a comment from Global Affairs Canada was not immediately returned.

A spokesperson for South African National Parks told News24 in a statement that they extend their “heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of the deceased during this difficult time.”

The death came a month after two South African tourists in their 70s were slain inside the park, News24 reported. Their bodies were later found in a remote area with multiple stab wounds.

Three people have since been arrested for murder in Mozambique and Zimbabwe with South African officials seeking their extradition, the outlet reported.

Read More

1. 

   Sherwood Forest's iconic Major Oak has died after 1,200 years

2. 

   Scottish crime boss Steven Lyons to face trial in Spain after extradition ruling

Article content