47 tourists robbed in two hits

2006-11-29 20:17

Cape Town - Two groups of tourists were robbed of their personal belongings at gunpoint in Langa township, said Cape Town police on Wednesday.

In the first incident, seven tourists were robbed while leaving the Chris Hani Independent School in the township on Tuesday afternoon, said captain Elliot Sinyangana .

In a report on Wednesday, the Cape Argus said five Germans and two British nationals had just made a donation to the school when a gang of armed teenagers pounced on them.

They took their belongings, including cash, and only left when pupils and residents gave chase.

Hours after the armed robbery, another group involving 40 Dutch tourists were robbed while leaving a restaurant in the township.

Increased police presence now

Sinyangana said the group was approached by four men and a woman about 22:30.

"They demanded personal belongings at gunpoint and some of the tourists were attacked and injured when they refused."

Sinyangana said no arrests had been made.

"But, there is an increased police presence in the area after the two robberies."

The Democratic Alliance has asked Safety and Security Minister Charles Nqakula to take urgent action.

"Several armed attacks on foreign tourists in the past few days confirm that safety of tourists ahead of the 2010 World Cup is a major concern," said the party's Dianne Kohler-Barnard.

Urgent steps needed

"The minister seems oblivious to these attacks.

"He needs to take urgent steps to guarantee the safety of all visitors to South Africa in the lead-up to 2010."

She said it was impossible for the country to protect the thousands of people expected to flock to South Africa in 2010 if it was incapable of protecting a small number of tourists in the "normal holiday season'.

"The minister should be doing his utmost to protect visitors and South Africa's image ahead of 2010."

- SAPA