The US embassy in South Africa has issued a security alert to US citizens planning to visit the Kruger National Park.

This follows the murder of German tourist Joerg Schnarr (67) on the Numbi road, outside the Kruger National Park, last week.

The embassy has urged tourists to avoid Numbi gate "due to an increase in crime" and instead use either the Paul Kruger or Phabeni gates when entering and leaving the park.

"Please remember to be situationally aware when travelling and make stops at designated areas, such as garages and service stations. Be mindful that protests and road closures are frequent in the area," said the embassy in an alert issued on Tuesday.

ALSO READ: Violence against tourists ‘should be considered economic crime’

"It is recommended that everyone contact their lodge or hotel before travelling to understand current road and travel conditions. If you encounter issues, contact the police or your lodge."

Schnarr and three other people were travelling to Mdluli Safari Lodge when they were attacked by a group of criminals.

Mpumalanga police spokesperson Brigadier Selvy Mohlala said the suspects, travelling in a VW Caddy, are said to have instructed the tourists to open the doors to their Hyundai Staria, but when the driver locked the doors, he was shot in the upper body through the window.

"The driver reversed about 100m before crashing into a wall," Mohlala said.

Schnarr succumbed to his injuries, while his wife and the couple they were travelling with survived.

Three people were taken in for questioning following Schnarr’s murder. Speaking to journalists on Friday, Cele confirmed that the three people were let go after providing information that could advance the case.

According to the minister, one more person has been taken in for questioning.

ALSO READ: Persons of interest in German tourist’s killing released

"I was at the crime scene, we announced that we had three people of interest. The police have spoken to those three people of interest and they have been let go. But the information they received from them was of high quality, and it’s information that we’re very happy with," said Cele at the time.

"We have managed to get the name and the person that we believe will give us a proper response to what has happened. Earlier on, speaking to the police, they had raised the issue that he was doing some pointing out, including the runaway car.

"We let (the three people) go, but we’re very sure that with the person that we found now, we’re in a much better place to crack the case."

The Citizen