36 traumatised Dutch tourists leave SA after robbery

Thirty-six traumatised Dutch tourists packed their bags and left South Africa yesterday after being robbed by a group of men, including one who was dressed as a police officer.

The victims, who were staying at the Zulu Nyala Country Manor in Fourways, had planned to stay in the country for 20 days. But their trip was cut short after a day following the robbery on Sunday.

National police spokesperson Brigadier Vishnu Naidoo said the tourists were offered counselling after the incident.

“A group of 36 tourists were on their way to the lodge in a tour bus when the driver was ordered to stop by a man wearing a police uniform. Together with another group of men, dressed in civilian clothing, they robbed the tourists of their personal belongings. There were no injuries reported,” said Naidoo.

Despite the trauma they had undergone, some of the tourists have assured Police Minister Fikile Mbalula they will visit the country again.

The Citizen was told yesterday afternoon that the group would not be conducting interviews after one of the tourists allegedly had an argument with a member of the media at the Fourways lodge.

Mbalula, Tourism Minister Tokozile Xasa and Netherlands ambassador to South Africa Marisa Gerards yesterday visited the tourists.

Mbalula’s spokesperson, Vuyo Mhaga, said: “The minister sent his apologies to them and pleaded with them to come and visit the country again.

“Some of them said they will come back.”