25 tourists attacked in Mpumalanga so far this year

THREE Mozambican tourists were attacked and robbed of about R38 000 in cash in a single day over the past weekend in Mpumalanga. Provincial police spokesman senior superintendent, Theo du Bruyn said on Tuesday that the recent incidents brought the number of attacks on tourists to 25 for the period between February 1 to October 8 this year. "These attacks take place mostly in the Lowveld and on the N4 Maputo corridor toll-road," said Du Bruyn. Two of the tourists attacked on Friday were robbed at guesthouses in the provincial capital of Nelspruit while one came face to face with criminals on the street. The criminals walked away with cash in rands and US dollars, as well as cellular phones. Police have not yet arrested any suspects. Mpumalanga's tourism department has established forums that meet monthly in the province's three police regions of the eastern Highveld, Highveld and Lowveld to discuss solutions regarding crime against tourists. Deputy director for tourism policy, safety and infrastructure, Judy Langley said the forums comprised tourism officials, police, soldiers and traffic officers. "We discuss each and every incident very thoroughly, look if there's a trend and decide whether to increase police presence in a problem area or not," Langley said. She said the department also arranged trips for local communities, free of charge, so that community members could experience what it's like being tourists. Langley said one example was when 460 Waterval Boven community members were given a free trip on a steam train on Saturday. "How can people understand tourism if they've not been tourists themselves? We're also making them aware that criminals are killing the economic potential of their areas," said Langley. Tourists, she said, were also given immediate support after an attack by having their stolen items replaced and being given safe accommodation. Langley added that the department had also established security operations at tourist attractions in the province. Meanwhile, four suspects are still attending court in connection with hijacking a tour bus carrying 41 Taiwanese visitors on July 6. The hijackers, some of whom were dressed as policemen, fleeced the Taiwanese business delegation of an estimated R2m in cash and valuables. The suspects will appear in the Ogies magistrate's court on October 30. One suspect is out on R10 000 bail and the rest are in custody. (African Eye News Service)