Ranger killed in fight to save Brits
A brave park ranger died trying to protect two British holidaymakers who were kidnapped in a gorilla park.
Rachel Katumwa, 25, was guarding a convoy travelling through the Virunga Nat ional Park , in the Democratic Republic of Congo, when her vehicle was ambushed by armed militia.
Two British tourists – who have not yet been named for “operational reasons” – were abducted along with their driver as they made their way from Kibumba tourist site.
Rachel suf fered fatal injuries and died at the scene.
Last night, the armed forces were drafted in to trace the missing Brits who had been on a tour observing the region’s endangered gorillas.
It has been claimed the kidnappers are demanding a £147,000 ransom for the safe return of the hostages.
Sources claimed that British special forces were preparing a swoop to rescue the British nationals.
Major Guillaume Kaiko Ndjike, the DRC army’s spokesman, said: “With Virunga National Park being within our zone of action, we have joined the park rangers for search operations for the people taken hostages.”
Joel Wenga, from the Inst i t ute for Nature Conservation, said officials were unable to comment because it risked putting the hostages’ lives in danger.
A fellow park ranger said: “Rachel ’s only thought would have been the safety and security of visitors.”