Mpumalanga’s standing as a premier tourist destination faced a test this week when a German tourist was robbed and kidnapped in Graskop on Monday.
In a swift and decisive response, the police rescued the tourist and arrested the suspects, who allegedly targeted him shortly after he withdrew cash from an ATM.
According to Mpumalanga police spokesperson Colonel Donald Mdhluli, the suspects were quickly apprehended thanks to the ongoing 2024/2025 safer festive season operation, which has heightened police presence in the region.
“The suspects allegedly attacked a male German tourist shortly after he withdrew cash from an ATM at a certain fuel station in the area,” said Mdhluli.
“A concerned member of the public promptly alerted the police about the incident, leading to a swift response by the dedicated law enforcement officers.”
Police acted on information that the suspects were travelling in a Hyundai SUV, said Mdhluli, which led to their pursuit and interception.
“The police that were busy with the safer festive season operation swiftly acted on this intelligence, locating and intercepting the vehicle,” he stated.
Officers found the suspects in nearby bushes and managed to rescue the tourist alive, though he had sustained injuries during the ordeal.
Rented vehicle forms part of investigation
The suspects’ rented vehicle has been seized as part of an ongoing investigation.
“The vehicle believed to have been used in the commission of the crime forms a crucial part of the ongoing investigation,” Mdhluli added, hinting at possible additional charges against the suspects.
Acting provincial police commissioner, Major-General Zeph Mkhwanazi, praised the officers’ efforts to protect both locals and tourists.
“The success of the 2024/2025 safer festive season operation is evident in this operation,” said Mkhwanazi.
“We are pleased with the outcome, especially considering a previous tragic incident involving a German tourist who was unfortunately murdered on October 4, 2022.”
Mkhwanazi urged the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activities, emphasising that cooperation from the community is essential in combating crime.
This swift rescue operation underscores ongoing efforts by the police to make sure that Mpumalanga is a safe haven for tourists, preserving its place among the world’s most sought-after destinations.
German tourist shot and killed
Unfortunately, the province has witnessed other incidents involving international tourists in recent years.
In October 2022, a German tourist, Jörg Schnarr, was fatally shot along the Numbi Road near Kruger National Park’s Numbi Gate.
Assailants accosted Schnarr and his companions and demanded that they unlock their car.
When Schnarr locked the doors, one of the attackers fired a shot through the window, resulting in his death.
More recently, in September, a Dutch tourist couple was targeted along the R35 Road between Barberton and Manzana.
Before robbing the couple of valuables like cash and passports, suspects attacked their car and shot the driver, injuring him.
Although the suspects ran away, police eventually took one into custody.
