German tourist killed in Namibia

German tourist killed in Namibia

Wed, 11 Jul 2007 01:08:16
wildlife photography is a major tourist attraction in Namibia
Two gunmen attacked a German couple photographing wildlife in Namibia, killing the man and taking the wife on a high-speed chase.

Police were searching Tuesday for two men suspected of killing Johannes Fellinger, 56, in a rare attack on tourists in this normally peaceful country of southern Africa.

Johannes and Elke Fellinger arrived only hours before they were attacked on Sunday about 35 miles west of the capital, Windhoek, police spokesman Stephan Nuuyi said, "The husband was shot in the head and died instantly."

After shooting the man, the attackers threw his body into the vehicle and drove off with his wife, police said. They later dumped the man's body in a dry riverbed and were pursued at high speed by a farmer.

During the chase, the car overturned and the attackers escaped on foot, leaving Elke Fellinger behind. She was being treated for shock and minor injuries at Windhoeks Catholic Hospital.

Deputy German Ambassador Ute Koenig said the attack was "bad news for the tourism industry" adding, "We are looking after the widow and have been visiting her," and that the embassy would help in repatriating Johannes Fellinger's body.

Namibia, a former German protectorate that was annexed by South Africa, gained independence in 1990. About 50,000 German tourists visit annually, and it is ranked the 13th fastest growing tourist destination in the world.

JS/RA