Chilean actor Jorge Zabaleta and presenter Francisco “Pancho” Saavedra have shared publicly for the first time what happened on Monday, May 20, when unknown assailants killed Catalan photographer and tour guide Toni Espadas in Ethiopia. The two were in Ethiopia to film an episode of the show Socios por el mundo for Chilean television channel Canal 13. In an interview with a Chilean news program, they described the traumatic experience of witnessing the shooting and losing a friend and colleague. They expressed gratitude for being alive and shared details of the incident, which occurred while they were traveling in a jeep with Espadas as the driver, Zabaleta in the front seat, Saavedra and a translator in the back.
The attack took place while the group was traveling to a restaurant, with Espadas deciding to turn back after seeing people running ahead. Two men approached their vehicle and one of them opened fire with an AK-47, killing Espadas instantly. Zabaleta and Saavedra, who were in the vehicle behind, described the harrowing moments after the shooting, when their vehicle was pushed forward by another team member’s vehicle and they managed to regain control and steer away from danger. They returned to the Mursi tribe, where they sought help and comfort from the local community, who were deeply affected by the tragedy.
The television presenters reflected on the unanswered question of why Espadas was targeted and why the assailant only fired a single shot. They believed that luck played a factor in their survival, as the attacker could have killed them all. They praised Espadas for his expertise and passion for Africa, recalling their previous experiences with him during filming in Uganda. The team decided to stay in Africa to support Espadas’ family and participate in the investigation into his murder, providing comfort to his wife, Irene Cordón, by assuring her that his death was instantaneous.
Authorities in Ethiopia have arrested several suspects in connection with Espadas’ murder, linking it to ongoing conflicts between different communities in the region. The president of the Southern region of Ethiopia stated that the incident was not a targeted attack against Espadas, but rather a tragic result of larger tensions in the area. He assured that the perpetrators would be brought to justice and that investigations were ongoing. The tragic event has deeply affected Zabaleta and Saavedra, who have expressed their shock and sadness at the loss of their friend and colleague, emphasizing the importance of valuing life and cherishing every moment.
