Dozens of Dutch tourists have left country following an embarrassing armed robbery, which will definitely send a negative signal and affect South African tourism industry.
The Minister of Police, Mr Fikile Mbalula had to act quickly to save face by visiting the traumatized tourists who were victims of the armed robbery.
The Minister condemns the robbery on foreign tourists and views it as an attack to the tourism industry and the economy.
The 36 European tourists were traveling on a bus when it was allegedly stopped by a SAPS marked vehicle with one man dressed in SAPS uniform and 5 others in civilian clothing.
The men demanded valuable items and in the process and one of the tourists got injured.
“The OR Tambo International Airport is our national key point. We have done a lot of work to improve its safety and capacitate it to respond fast and effectively to safety concerns. More has been done since in preventing and combatting criminal activities at the airport.
The robbery in and around the OR Tambo International Airport is being investigated. Tourism is part of our economic drivers and provider of jobs for the youth, we must work hard in protecting this industry. Part of this is ensuring that our tourist not only feel safe but are safe in our country. I condemn this robbery in the strongest terms and call for harsh punishment on those responsible,” Minister Mbalula said.
Meanwhile The Minister has instructed experienced SAPS detectives to investigate the matter and bring those responsible to book.
