Lowveld robberies leave tourists nervous

Posted on 19 June 2019

Tourists have been subject to robberies in the Graskop and Sabie areas over the course of the past week.

One case has been opened at the Sabie police station and another at the Graskop police station.

Sergeant Sidibe of the Sabie Police Station has confirmed that there are cases of robbery currently being investigated. “It is robbery, not hijacking,” she emphasised.

Constable Nyathi of the Graskop police station explained that the incident, which took place on Hazyview Road “was similar to a hijacking but the aim was only to rob the tourists.”

The Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) has been made aware of the incidents, and is in the process of communicating with various police stations, as well as the provincial commissioner’s office. Here are some ways to ensure your safety:

ACCOMMODATION

It is recommended that you:

– Never Leave your luggage unattended.

– Store Valuables in your hotel’s safety deposit box.

– Keep your room locked at all times.

– Hand in your room keys or cards whenever you leave your hotel.

SIGHTSEEING AND ENTERTAINMENT

It is recommended that you:

– Use registered, qualified tour guides.

– Don’t leave handbags under tables, on the backs of chairs or on restroom hooks.

– Travel in groups, especially if you are visiting a nightclub, bar or shebeen you haven’t been to before.

– Don’t make use of train services at night, if at all possible.

MONEY AND TRAVEL DOCUMENTS

It is recommended that you:

– Travel with certified copies of your valuable documents, and keep originals in a safe place.

– Countersign no more than half your travellers’ cheques.

– Separate your cash and credit cards, and don’t carry all your cash/ travellers’ cheques with you during the day.

– Rather store half of them in your hotel room safe.

– Don’t allow strangers to assist you wit ATM transactions. If your card gets stuck, immediately call that ATM’S helpline number.

– Be alert, and never turn your back while your ATM card is in the machine.

– Report lost passports and visas, without delay, to the South African Police Services (SAPS).Your country’s embassy or consulate can be contacted through the Tourist Victim Support Programme.

Image source: Unsplash






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