Four schoolgirls were amongst the people robbed in two separate robberies at the Voortrekker Monument this weekend.
The robberies happened between Friday night and Saturday morning.
The monument’s managing director, Cecelia Kruger said the first robbery occurred on Friday night.
Kruger said a youth group and their mentor were attacked by unknown men while camping.
“The Voortrekker youth movement often come to our site and camp there to do research.”
“Last night, four girls and their mentor were attacked by unknown men while they were hiking in the bushes. The woman who was leading the group was attacked with a thorn branch by one of the men,” she said.
Kruger said the robbers took her handbag before running away.
The empty handbag was later found.
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Kruger said more would be done to ensure visitors’ safety.
“We already spend about R120 000 a month on our security; we cannot afford to secure the entire nature reserve.
“In the future, if they want to camp again, we will have to determine the route they are taking and arrange for a guard to accompany them.”
Kruger said the woman leading the girls suffered minor injuries.
Police could not be reached for comment at the time of going to print.
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Another robbery occurred on Saturday morning around 11:00.
“Four men and a woman entered the premises through the main gate. They paid the entrance fee and apparently turned around and went back to the gate,” Kruger said.
“They took out firearms and aimed them on the two guards at the gate, and then forced the cashier to give them cash. “
Kruger said the five robbers fled with the cash.
“Everyone is still traumatised. This is the first time that a robbery of this kind has happened.”
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