Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Africanews
Published on 2024-02-27 16:43:46
An Australian tourist who had gone missing near Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe has been missing for almost a week, as confirmed by national park officials on Monday. The 67-year-old tourist, whose identity has not been disclosed, was reported missing from the vicinity of Zimbabwe’s Victoria Falls National Park on Friday. Search efforts were initiated using sniffer dogs to locate the missing individual.
Tinashe Farawo, spokesperson for the Zimbabwe National Parks and Wildlife Management Authority, revealed on Monday that the missing tourist is a male who was last heard from on February 17. The tourist was traveling alone and was staying at a luxury hotel approximately 3 kilometers from the rainforest park. On February 17, he informed hotel management that he was going to the park, but subsequent CCTV footage did not capture him entering the park nor did the park’s entrance records show his entry.
“We have reviewed the footage, and there is no record of him entering the park. Our research team has also checked the rainforest, but there is no trace of him,” Mr. Farawo stated. He further mentioned that the parks agency is exploring alternative avenues as it appears the missing tourist never entered the rainforest.
Occurrences of missing tourists are rare at Victoria Falls, a renowned destination that lures thousands of visitors with its breathtaking waterfall cascading from the Zambezi River. The agency mobilized a team comprising police, rangers, sniffer dogs, ground trackers, and drones to search for the Australian tourist on Friday.
While incidents of missing tourists are infrequent at Victoria Falls, a similar incident occurred last October in the Matusadona National Park in northern Zimbabwe, where a German tourist went missing but was found unharmed three days later.
The natural beauty of Victoria Falls, with its towering waterfall creating a mist visible for miles around, serves as a magnet for tourists from across the globe. The park’s stunning scenery and diverse wildlife captivate visitors, making it a sought-after destination for nature enthusiasts and adventurers alike.
As the search for the missing Australian tourist continues, authorities are leaving no stone unturned to ensure his safe return. The collaborative efforts of law enforcement and park personnel underscore the dedication and commitment to safeguarding visitors and maintaining the splendor of Zimbabwe’s natural treasures.
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