"This is a serious threat that we are experiencing, it's a very sad day for us and a very sad day for the German people. The attack on tourists is not a daily occurance in our country but it's one incident too many." 

ALSO READ: Government to implement a plan to protect tourists - Sisulu

A gang shot seventy-five-year-old Schnarr Joerg near Mpumulanga's White River area on Monday. 

The hijackers ordered him and his three passengers - also tourists - to open the doors of their minibus. 

He was shot after locking them. 

She says they view the attack in a very serious light as it tarnishes the country's image abroad. 

"Tourism is at the heart of our economic growth, contributing 3.7% to South Africa's GDP, more than agriculture and other utilities and construction." 

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Briefing the media on Wednesday night, Sisulu said South Africa is a safe place with warm communities that depend on tourism. 

"South Africa is indeed a safe place. So far, since the dawn of democracy, only three tourists have died in the country. One was 61, who was murdered in Cape Town, the other one was a tourist who fell down a mountain in an accident.

"Joerg's body will be repatriated today. His family flew home last night."

Jacaranda News

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