- Trial of a man from Fulda, South Africa, continues
The trial involving the killing of a tourist from Fulda, Hesse, in South Africa has resumed after a break. Three men are charged with murder, attempted murder, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, robbery, and attempted robbery.
On the fifth day of the trial, the court heard testimony from a new witness who detailed how tips led to the arrest of two of the three defendants. The closing arguments are expected by mid-August, following a pause in the trial due to the illness of a witness.
Robbery near Kruger National Park
Almost two years ago, on October 3, 2022, the three suspects, aged 26, 37, and 39, allegedly attacked the Fulda resident, his wife, and two other Germans on their way to a lodge in Kruger National Park. When the tourists refused to get out of the car near the Numbi entrance to the famous national park and locked the doors, one of the perpetrators opened fire on the driver. The 67-year-old died.
The trial began on July 22 in the small town of Kabokweni near Kruger National Park. The defense pleaded not guilty at the start of the trial. The defendants chose to remain silent. A total of ten witnesses are expected to testify. After the closing arguments on the last day of the trial, the judge will read the verdict at a later, still unknown date, according to the prosecutor.
South Africa, the safari country, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Africa but struggles with high crime rates. Last year, the number of violent crimes in the country with around 61 million inhabitants continued to rise. According to government figures, more than 7,700 people were killed between October and December 2023 alone.
The tourist from Fulda, Hesse, was unfortunate enough to be a victim of a robbery near the renowned Kruger National Park in South Africa. The arrest of two of the three defendants in this case was aided by valuable tips received by authorities.
