Photo for illustration only. (Archive photo: Lorraine Claasen)
Two elderly Dutch tourists were robbed and injured in an attack on a guest farm near Swellendam in the Western Cape when three masked men ambushed them in their accommodation.
The incident took place on Friday on the guest farm about 15 km east of Swellendam, along the N2 in the direction of Riversdal.
According to Ian Cameron, DA MP and chairman of the parliamentary portfolio committee on police, the attackers gained access to the guest house where the tourists were staying in the early evening.
The attackers reportedly tied up and robbed the victims before fleeing on foot. The tourists were injured during the attack and taken to a hospital for treatment.
Meanwhile, the FF Plus strongly condemned the attack. According to adv. Gert van Niekerk, FF Plus regional leader for the Garden Route, the incident is particularly worrying because it may be part of a larger pattern of similar attacks.
“According to initial police information, this is the second similar incident in the greater Southern Cape within a week,” says Van Niekerk.
“In both cases, it is alleged that three armed men acted with a similar modus operandi.”
He says the attack is extremely disturbing because vulnerable victims were targeted and it also affects international visitors to South Africa.
“Such attacks not only undermine the safety of local communities, but also threaten the region’s reputation as a safe tourism destination.”
(Archive photo: SA Police)
The FF Plus also expressed its thanks to local security structures and law enforcement for their quick response after the incident. According to Van Niekerk, the reaction of these role players proves the importance of cooperation between communities and the police.
“This collaboration once again demonstrates the value of community safety structures working with law enforcement agencies.
“Violence against defenseless people cannot be tolerated under any circumstances.”
He also urged residents to cooperate in the fight against crime and pass on any relevant information to the police.
According to Cameron, the police are investigating a case of armed robbery and the police are calling on witnesses or anyone with information that could lead to the arrest of the suspects to come forward.
No arrests have been made so far.
- The police have been approached for comment. The post will be updated as soon as feedback is received.