A vital security project that has led to the elimination of tourist crime on a key access road to the Kruger National Park (KNP) is at risk of grinding to a halt as it battles to maintain funding.
Coordinated by the Kruger Lowveld Chamber of Business and Tourism (KLCBT), the Ehlanzeni Integrated Security Plan was developed three years ago in response to rising incidents of crime on the Numbi Road – a popular route leading into the KNP. This included the murder of German tourist Jörg Schnarr during an attempted hijacking en route to Mdluli Safari Lodge in October 2022.
The KLCBT, supported by funding from the Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA) and 16 other donors, subsequently led coordinated efforts – involving private security companies and the South African Police Service (SAPS) – to bolster safety on the route. Projects such as the installation of CCTV cameras, strengthened intelligence gathering and the establishment of a central dispatch centre resulted in a further drastic crime reduction.
According to KLCBT CEO Linda Grimbeek, no incidents of tourist crime have occurred on the Numbi Road since the enhanced security efforts – including visible policing and patrols – were implemented almost three years ago.
“During this time, our efforts and information led to the arrest of 73 people directly involved in hijackings, robberies and vehicle theft, including the person responsible for the unfortunate death of the German national,” said Grimbeek.
Napoleon Joseph Ngalunga was convicted of murdering Schnarr in November last year and is currently awaiting sentencing. Two other suspects were acquitted of the crime.
Grimbeek stressed that the security plan, which spans beyond the Numbi Road to the broader Mpumalanga Lowveld, has “directly resulted in nine months of zero criminal incidents against tourists” in the region.
Key initiatives placed on hold
With main funding from the TBCSA not yet approved for the next phase of the project, crucial elements have been placed on hold, including patrols conducted by vetted private security companies.
“We can no longer sustain the cost of R300 000 (€14 400) per month to maintain operations to this degree of success. However, we do believe that this is a temporary setback and that we can secure the required funding,” Grimbeek said.
She is set to meet with the TBCSA and SANParks this week to discuss the renewal of funding while additional support has been requested from the private-sector tourism industry, added Grimbeek.
TBCSA CEO Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa said the proposal from the KLCBT is still under consideration.
“The Numbi Road has been an important focus area for us but there are various other projects we are funding or are in the process of assessing for funding, according to the interventions that are most needed. We are still looking into the Numbi proposal,” said Tshivhengwa.
‘Massive’ impact of isolated incidents
Chris Schalkwyk, Director of Mdluli Safari Lodge, emphasised the devastating impacts that one incident of crime – such as the death of the German tourist – could have on the region’s tourism economy.
“We lost R5.5 million (€264 100) in bookings in the three months following that incident and other lodges in the area felt similar impacts. We are very concerned about the possible loss of financial support – not only for us as a lodge but for the greater area as everyone has benefitted from the safety measures,” said Schalkwyk.
He commended the TBCSA for funding the project to date and called for a renewal of funding. He also urged lodges to contribute.
“We would also like to see the SAPS providing better support for the under-resourced police stations around the Greater KNP – our number one destination and such a huge generator of revenue for the country,” Schalkwyk added.
