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Police have issued a warning after a Swiss couple was conned out of a large, but undisclosed amount of cash by several men.
Spokesperson, Colonel Priscilla Naidu, said as a result of the incident SAPS is issuing an alert to local and foreign visitors, as well as the hospitality sector, to be vigilant.
She said on Tuesday a 53-year-old Swiss woman and her partner were approached by a person at a stop sign while driving in Sidwell, and after flashing a security badge told them that they needed a permit.
“They were told to follow him in a red vehicle where they were taken to an ATM at a nearby centre and large sums of money were withdrawn from both their bank accounts. They were assisted at the ATM by approximately four males,” Naidu said.
She said after withdrawing the money, the suspects left them at the ATM and drove off.
Naidu said SAPS is appealing to tourists to be security conscious at all times and to take note of their surroundings.
She said when leaving their hotels or other accommodation, they should have the local police station number handy should they wish to verify/clarify any suspicion or doubt.
"They should never go to any banking institution to withdraw cash to pay to any person that requests payment for services they do not understand. Instead, when in doubt, contact the police or the tourism office for clarity and assistance,” she said.
Naidu said the couple has since left the country.
Last November, a German couple was robbed at gunpoint while driving to Addo with police already warning in March 2022 that foreign tourists were falling victim to criminals who were “specifically targeting them.”
