A Swiss tourist visiting South Africa unfortunately got to experience the harsh realities of what has become of South Africa when he was robbed yesterday in Bo-Kaap, Cape Town.
I would like to share with you an experience I unfortunately made yesterday.
I’m a 24 years old swiss traveler visiting the wonderful country of South Africa. The 16th of February around 10a.m., in full day I decided to visit Bo-Cap (Bo-Kaap). I was alone, but surrounded by tourist most of the time. I walk till the corner of Short market Street and Buitengracht and the decided to go up in short market street. Suddenly, there were no tourists or local inhabitant to be seen. I was taking pictures of the houses when three guys came behind me, and « greeted » me. I was then threatened with a knife and my belonging were taken from me.
Including my camera, my cellphone, my wallet, and a bag containing a green diary (with the memories of my previous traveling and a hidden letter of my boyfriend – it’s actually what I am missing the most, as I now know he hide a letter inside).
Local police was then called and came in about 10 minutes. The neighborhood was the searched for the suspects : Three male about 30 years. Two blacks about 160-170 cm. And one coloured male. The suspect who threatened me with the knife against my throat, was wearing a red shirt and had crooked teeth.
Any person having information is invited to contact local police.
Reward will be provided for the return of the diary and the phone (that is unusable since it is blocked).
I am still a bit shocked from this experience, but I am determined to keep going on travelling. Even if I do not think I was particularly reckless (I was wearing neural clothes, without a watch, wallet and phone not apparent) I think tourist should be advised not to take picture alone in the area. Even in day light.
I hope this story will not have too much of a negative impact on local tourism.
South Africa Today – South Africa News
