Tourist robbed at Jhb hotel

2008-03-12 12:11

Johannesburg - A tourist was robbed of his luggage on his arrival at Johannesburg's Westcliff Hotel from OR Tambo International Airport on Wednesday, said a hotel spokesperson.

Another two tourists, who were in the reception area checking out at the time, were also robbed of their bags, said spokesperson Gabrielle Palmer.

She said a robber held up security at the gate, while two others went into the reception area at 06:30.

"Thank God no one was hurt. They just came in, grabbed the luggage and ran," said Palmer.

She said the couple attacked had since left the hotel to carry on with their travels.

Superintendent Vish Naidoo announced on Monday that there was no evidence of a syndicate targeting air travellers.

This, after a spate of robberies involving people travelling from the airport by road.

However, the investigation was continuing, he said.

Border Control Operational Co-ordinating Committee chairperson Humbulani Ravele said foreign nationals arriving at OR Tambo International Airport would no longer need to give customs officials their intended addresses in the country.

It was not immediately known whether this measure had already been implemented.

Criminals have attacked envoys from France, Vietnam, and Tanzania.

In July last year, South Africa's high commissioner to the United States Dumisani Khumalo was robbed at his son's house in Greenside on his arrival from the airport.

- SAPA