The immediate establishment of a task team soon after two tourists were robbed resulted in the speedy arrest of three suspects and the recovery of the stolen items.
It is alleged that at about 00:45 on Saturday, 18 March 2023, a German couple were awakened while they were sleeping at a guest house in Addo.
Four suspects armed with unknown objects forced themselves into the room and threatened the couple. The 67-year-old male sustained open wounds on the head as he tried to close the door.
The suspects stole foreign currency, cash, passports as well as other personal property.
Intelligence information led to the swift arrest of a 27-year-old suspect in Nomathansanqa location at about 11:30 as it is alleged that he was attempting to exchange the foreign cash. Two other suspects, aged 29 and 31, were arrested shortly thereafter. Most of the stolen property were recovered.
The suspects are detained on charges of possession of suspected stolen property and business robbery.
They will appear in the Kirkwood Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 20 March 2023.
The Sarah Baartman District Commissioner, Maj Gen Zolani Xawuka commended the excellent teamwork of the task team (Crime Intelligence; Provincial Organised Crime Investigation; Anti- Gang Unit; SAPS Kirkwood, Paterson and Addo members).
He added that’ tourism has a significant social benefit to our country and crime can deter potential visitors from travelling to their desired destinations. This can also negatively impact on the reputation of certain destinations hence in order to preserve and protect our Province and country, we as law enforcement must do everything in our power to ensure the safety of our tourists and citizens alike. I applaud the swift reaction of our members who utilised every resource and intelligence available to effect such speedy arrests.’
