CAPE TOWN, September 27 (ANA) – Parliament’s portfolio committee on tourism has expressed its concern at the “horrendous” incident in which 36 Dutch tourists were held up and robbed shortly after their arrival in the country at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg earlier this week.
The group of tourists had been set for a three-week holiday in South Africa but flew out just two days after their arrival following their ordeal at the hands of a group of armed robbers.
In a statement on Wednesday – World Tourism Day – the committee said the country needed to reflect on the ramifications of the horrendous incident.
“Tourism is a major role player in the economy of our country,” the statement said. “At a time when the country is focused on job creation and growing the economy, any negative publicity will be detrimental to South Africa. The Dutch newspaper, The Telegraph, has interviewed the tourists and published the story and with social media the story is around the world.”
Chairperson of the Committee, Beatrice Ngcobo, said: “I am shocked at the way these tourists were robbed by a gang involving a man in police uniform using blue lights and five men in civilian clothes. We are very sorry that this happened in our country and we hope this never happens again.”
The Committee noted the visit by Police Minister Fikile Mbalula to the tourists and called upon the police to act swiftly to bring the gang of robbers to book.
“Of concern is the reputation of South Africa abroad and calls on Brand South Africa to do all within its power to depict South Africa as the epic tourist destination that it is,” the statement added. “As it is World Tourism Day, we call on all South Africans to protect our tourists and show them the hospitality we are known for.”
The group of mainly elderly Dutch tourists were robbed while travelling from OR Tambo to Fourways on a Megabus.
The bus was held up by armed men, with one dressed as policemen, taken hostage, beaten and driven to a quiet spot where they were subsequently robbed of all their valuables, money and luggage. One of the tourists was injured and taken to hospital.
Mbalula condemned the robbery, saying that he viewed it as an attack to the tourism industry and the economy.
– African News Agency (ANA)
