One suspect has been arrested and appeared in court in connection with the robbery of an elderly tourist in Fernkloof recently.
Colonel Luthando Nosilela, commander of Hermanus Police Station, reported a cellphone that was stolen in the incident was found in the suspect’s possession and returned to the owner afterwards.
“We have not yet made any arrests in connection with the incident, which occurred at Rotary Way,” he explained. “This was not a robbery, as the items were stolen out of the vehicle while the victims were sightseeing.”
The victims reportedly found the window of the vehicle they had been travelling in had been smashed when they returned from sightseeing.
A number of items, including a large amount of cash, were stolen from the vehicle.
“These incidents are sporadic,” Nosilela said. “The last such incident at Fernkloof was in late December, when a tourist was robbed.
“This occurred at a time when guards or rangers were stationed in the reserve. Unfortunately there are many routes in the reserve and it is impossible to patrol all of them.”
He urged tourists and locals always to report to the tourist centre when visiting Fernkloof Nature Reserve and not to carry expensive possessions when hiking.
Overstrand Municipality did not respond to requests for comment regarding these attacks and questions about measures in place to ensure the safety of visitors.
The municipality held a meeting with tourism stakeholders last week to discuss safety concerns.
A follow-up meeting with the Overberg District Commissioner, Major General Miriam Mochologi, is scheduled for Thursday 2 March.
