Russian Embassy: wife of tourist killed in South Africa attack was not injured

The Russian Embassy in Pretoria reported that Elena Nizovtseva, the wife of Anatoly Nizovtsev, a tourist killed during an armed robbery, was not injured, contrary to earlier reports of an eye injury. She is staying at a hotel in Pretoria and is receiving consular assistance. Police are investigating the version that a gang specializing in highway robberies may have been involved.

Aziz KarimovFirst published on tafs uz 10 November 2026 at 18:282 min read

The key facts

The Russian Embassy refuted the report of an eye injury to the wife of the killed tourist
No suspects have been detained; police are investigating the highway robbers version
ATOR reminded travelers to avoid night trips outside tour groups in South Africa

The wife of the killed tourist was not injured

The Russian Embassy in Pretoria reported that Elena Nizovtseva, the wife of the Russian tourist killed in an attack in South Africa, was not injured. The diplomatic mission told RIA Novosti, as reported by Life.ru. This clarification contradicts an earlier report by the local outlet Pretoria Rekord, which, citing the police, wrote that the woman had suffered an eye injury.

What is known about the attack and the investigation

The Embassy officially confirmed the death of 66-year-old Anatoly Nizovtsev as a result of an armed robbery on a highway on the way to Kruger National Park. He was traveling by car with his wife. According to the Embassy, Nizovtseva is currently staying at a hotel in Pretoria; staff of the consular section are providing her with assistance, including psychological support.

Investigation and tour operators' recommendations

The police are investigating the murder. Gauteng police spokesperson Isaac Mawau said that no suspects have been detained so far; law enforcement is looking into the version that a gang specializing in highway robberies may have been involved. The Association of Tour Operators of Russia (ATOR) reminded travelers of the need to observe safety measures in South Africa, in particular to avoid night trips outside tour groups.