MEDIA have reported that 14 tourists were robbed at the weekend in the Graskop area, Mpumalanga, after their vehicle broke down. British, Canadian and US tourists were robbed of money, cameras and cellphones.
The foreign tourists heard cries for help coming from the boot of the robbers’ car. The cries were suspected to be those of Hennielene Botha, whose husband reported her missing and the car stolen on Saturday night (March 22). The tourists gave details of the vehicle to police, who confirmed that it belonged to Botha. She has since been found after being abandoned outside Hoedspruit, reported News24.
Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) were not aware of the incident but did say that there have not been any reports of an increase of incidents in the Graskop area. Kholo Khwinana, senior manager corporate communications, said the Tourism Safety and Security unit worked closely with local police and tourism information officers in key tourist areas to ensure tourists’ safety.
The unit has monthly meetings discussing problem areas in the province and facilitates the process of obtaining documents, such as visas, accommodation and transport for tourists who have been robbed.
