A concession operator has been arrested and is expected to appear in court soon after a 69-year-old Canadian tourist was fatally shot during a bush braai experience at the Kruger National Park, police confirmed on Thursday.

Earlier on Thursday, African Times reported on the tragic incident, which occurred at a concession-operated picnic and braai site near Phabeni Gate on Wednesday evening.

Mpumalanga police have opened cases of culpable homicide and reckless handling of a firearm as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting.

According to information released by the office of the Acting Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Mpumalanga, preliminary investigations indicate that the tourist was allegedly shot when a firearm being handled by the concession operator discharged unexpectedly.

“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. While the operator was demonstrating that it was a real rifle, that was the time when the firearm reportedly discharged,” police said.

The bullet struck the tourist in the upper body.

Emergency services responded to the scene, but the man was declared dead shortly afterwards.

Police confirmed that the concession operator was subsequently arrested in connection with the incident and is expected to appear before a court once investigations have been processed and charges formally enrolled.

The shooting occurred during a bush braai experience hosted by a private concession company operating within the Kruger National Park under a valid permit issued by South African National Parks (SANParks).

Earlier, SANParks confirmed that the victim had been part of a group that entered the park specifically for the outdoor dining experience.

The group was not staying overnight inside the park at the time of the incident.

SANParks spokesperson JP Louw described the incident as an alleged accidental firearm discharge involving a private guide affiliated with the concession operator.

“A 69-year-old Canadian tourist was fatally wounded in an alleged accidental firearm discharge at a concession-operated bush braai picnic site near Phabeni Gate in the Kruger National Park on Wednesday evening, 17 June 2026,” said Louw.

“According to preliminary information, a private guide affiliated with a concession operator allegedly discharged a firearm accidentally, resulting in the guest’s death.”

The latest police statement has now provided additional insight into what investigators believe occurred moments before the fatal shot was fired.

Authorities are expected to examine whether proper firearm safety procedures were followed and whether negligence played a role in the tourist’s death.

Acting Mpumalanga Provincial Commissioner Major General Dr Zeph Mkhwanazi said the incident serves as a reminder of the responsibilities attached to firearm ownership.

“The matters of safety with regard to firearms are very important and in this case, the necessary investigations are underway. We are hopeful that we will get details with regard to circumstances that led to the unfortunate incident,” said Mkhwanazi.

He urged all lawful firearm owners to strictly comply with the Firearms Control Act and ensure firearms are handled responsibly at all times.

The incident has sent shockwaves through the tourism industry, particularly given Kruger National Park’s reputation as one of Africa’s leading wildlife destinations.

Tourism operators and conservation stakeholders have stressed the importance of maintaining strict safety standards during guided experiences involving visitors from around the world.

The homicide charge suggests investigators believe negligence may have contributed to the death, while the reckless handling of a firearm charge relates to the manner in which the weapon was allegedly handled before the shooting occurred.

Police are expected to obtain witness statements from members of the tourist group, concession staff and other individuals who were present when the incident unfolded.

The identity of the deceased has not been officially released by authorities, although it has been confirmed that he was a Canadian national.

The arrested suspect is expected to appear in court soon, police continue their investigation into one of the most tragic incidents to occur at the iconic national park in recent years.